Hi guys n girls,
I’m very new to the culture of growing poppies, and I’m trying to establish a consensus on the best nutrient to use, and the best source of seed. I have a bag of Pete moss that I have had sitting for months which is totally dry, well....’was’ totally dry. I’ve just soaked it with water to sit overnight and fully reconstitute its moisture. I’ve been careful not to flood or saturate it though. I once grew weed in Pete and had good results, and I’ve read on the threads that other growers too have used Pete.
Where I’m unsure is what nutrient/fertilizer would have best results. I’ve read another member uses blood and bone with good results. I also saw another user who used chicken manure. I have seen some great weed crops thrive on chicken manure, but I’ve been told it can burn young sprouts easily.
I was thinking of thoroughly mixing chicken manure through the Pete in small amounts, but I’m not sure what amount would be too much or too little. Could anyone suggest an amount?
The bag of Pete is a 5 litre/liter bag, and I’m planning on using this amount in a large flat tray to germinate my poppy seeds. I was thinking of using a decent handful through the mixture and watering it in. Would this burn seedlings? Or perhaps ruin the chances of the seeds germinating?
I posted a few questions in my first post asking some of these questions, but sadly haven’t received any responses yet. I’ve decided to just go out and get several different sources of poppy seeds and perhaps try germinating an amount of each. Then see which seem to be growing the fastest and strongest. I live in Melbourne Australia, and would reeeeeeeally love to buy some seeds from a Tasmanian, or someone who has Tasmanian seeds, but I haven’t got a response from a fellow Aussie who did a great tutorial on growing poppies who swears by the quality of his Tasmanian seeds. From what I read on the Ethno seed ring the consensus is that Tasmanian seeds are fantastic and much sought after. I live in Melbourne, which is the closest city to Tasmania without actually being on the island. It’s kinda frustrating to be so close, yet so far (if you know what I mean).
I read that someone had half decent results even with McCormack’s (supermarket) seeds, so I’m going to try some of those. I’m also going to try to buy some from a few foreign seed and herb stores. There’s a foreigner owned and run store 5 min.s drive from here that sell only exotic seed, herbs, and spices. I think the people are Indian perhaps. I have no idea what their seed will be like, but I’m really operating blind here. I couldn’t find any info that will help in the FAQ section, and I ran a search on ‘fertilizer’ and was really surprised that I didn’t get a single hit.
I also looked at the Ethno site, and couldn’t find any poppy seeds available. Perhaps I just don’t know what I’m looking for or the best way to look. After all I am a total novice in poppy growing and new to this site.
I just really don’t wanna waste my time and effort growing seeds that are low grade rubbish if there are good seeds available. I’m willing to pay over the going price if that’s any incentive to anyone?? I only posted my thread a day or two ago, and don’t mean to be impatient. I just want to start ASAP, and have little idea who to be asking these questions.
If someone could offer any advice or assistance it would be very very appreciated.
Thanks in advance guys,
Paradok
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thanks Vertigo, But i'd have to disagree a bit on that point. (this may or may not apply to poppies,but i would think applys to all plants). If you start with poor seed stock, regardless of how well you grow them your'e not gonna do too well.
'if you start with good genetics, your chances of having a quality harvest are far greater' How can you possibly have a goos sturdy yield if the seed stock is poor? Then again, if your point is that there is little difference in quality of poppy's from seed stock to seed stock thats a fair statement also (if you know that for sure).
Not meaning to insult u in anyway, but seeing as its your first time growing poppy's as it will be mine.... I think i'll rely on the opinions of experienced growers.
Thanks for the thought though 
P.S to the person who PM'd me...thanks again!
-------------------- rehab is for quitters
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