Successful poppy gardening seems to fall somewhere between the intermediate “I got lucky” end of the spectrum, and “a little know-how yields great dividends” when it comes to this classic cottage garden favorite. Full sun and loamy, loose soil are two essentials for growing great poppies. A mild summer climate is a bonus. If these conditions are met, most gardeners will enjoy success. Tall varieties are prone to flopping, so staking might be necessary. The spring and early summer flowers are rather ephemeral, lasting only a day or so, and once all the blooms fade, the foliage is rather unattractive; most gardeners prune back foliage severely and allow other plants to fill in gaps for the summer. Here are 14 varieties of poppies to grace your garden. Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7 Height: 24 to 30 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Tibet USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7 Height: 2–4 feet Sun Exposure: Part shade Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 Height: 2–3 feet Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Western U.S. USDA Hardiness Zones: Hardy in zones 6–10; grown as an annual elsewhere Height: 12-18 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9 Height: 2–4 feet Sun Exposure: Full sun The hefty blooms of this poppy benefit from some some support: grow-through plant hoops or even tomato cages. Native Area: Eastern Mediterranean USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (grown as an annual) Height: 24–36 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Extend your black flower display with other seasonal blooms like black pansies and black bearded irises. Or, plant a contrasting stand of white spring flowers, like foxgloves. Native Area: Eastern Mediterranean USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (grown as an annual) Height: 2–3 feet Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7 Height: 24-36 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 Height: 12–18 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7 Height: 40–48 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–7 Height: 2–3 feet Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 Height: 24–30 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9 Height: 24–36 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun Native Area: Caucasus, northeastern Turkey, northern Iran USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8 Height: 30–36 inches Sun Exposure: Full sun
