How do I divide Oriential Poppy Plants??

How can I divide Oriential Poppy Plants?

Deann

How To
How to Divide Oriental Poppies
Contributor
By Cynthia Myers, eHow Contributing Writer

The silky, brightly colored blossoms of oriental poppies add an exotic elegance to any landscape. The poppies grow in clumps, with lacy, gray-green foliage and delicate cupped blossoms of bright orange, scarlet or pink, with black accents. The best way to propagate oriental poppies is through root cuttings. Poppies don't like to be disturbed and should only be divided if absolutely necessary.
.Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions.Things You'll Need:
•Water
•Sharp spade or shovel
•Sharp knife
•Mulch
1.Step 1
Water the plant thoroughly to soften the soil and make it easier to dig.

2.Step 2
Prepare the planting hole or bed where you'll plant the new divisions. Loosen the soil or dig a hole and clear away any weeds

3.Step 3
Starting at a point 4 inches away from the plant, insert the spade straight down into the soil, as far as you can insert it. Repeat this action all the way around the plant.

4.Step 4
Work the shovel underneath the plant and lift the entire plant and root clump out of the ground.

5.Step 5
Separate the roots of the plant with your fingers and spread them out.

6.Step 6
Cut the plant into two or more clumps, using the spade or a sharp knife to cut down into the root clump. Pry the clump apart gently with your hands.

7.Step 7
Plant the poppy divisions in the space you've prepared. Water thoroughly and mulch through the first winter.


Tips & Warnings
•Wait until the plant has stopped blooming and the foliage has died back in late summer before you divide oriental poppies..References
•Cass County Extension Service: Vegetative Propagation of Perennials
•Clemson University: Dividing Perennials
Resources
•Colorado State University: Oriental Poppy


Read more: How to Divide Oriental Poppies | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/print/how_5744864_divide-oriental-poppies.html#ixzz0qkL4OR40

Brenda

Thanks so much for the information........

Deann

Oh one more thing..Best to divide after they bloom and after a bit of dormancy. They will transplant better. They bloom, they seed then loose vigor and the leaves fade. Good time to lift and divide. They are dormant at this juncture and when divided will throw out new leaves and you will know they survived pretty much in this season.
Julie

Thanks Julie.....and thanks again Brenda for the Messenger......

Deann