Poppies are elegant flowers that come in a variety of colors and sizes that range from 12 inches to 3 feet tall. The plants produce seedpods that you can collect for growing new seedlings. Poppies do not respond well to high temperatures, which you can control with hydroponics for year-round growth, without the worry of temperatures. Using an indoor growing system for growing poppies lengthens the growing season for an increase in flower production.
Step Two
Dump excess water from the tray and plant one seed into the center of each cube at a depth of 1/4 inch. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and move it to a warm area with a temperature of 70 degree F. Avoid direct sunlight that heats the soil too high to prevent germination.
Step Three
Mist the rockwool with water every other day, or as necessary, to keep them moist for germination. Remove the plastic wrap once sprouts appear and move the tray to a sunny area to stimulate poppy growth.
Step Four
Transplant the poppies to a hydroponics system once the first buds appear on the seedlings. Assemble the growing system and with water to verify everything works properly. Run the system without plants until the water reaches room temperature.
Step Five
Add liquid poppy flower fertilizer to the water at a ratio of 3 tbsp. for every 1 gallon of water that flows through the system. Remember to add nutrients to the system each time you add more water.
Step Six
Insert the small rockwool cubes into 3- to 4-inch diameter cubes that fit into the hydroponic system. Avoid removing the plant from the small cubes to prevent damaging the root system.
Step Seven
Assemble high-pressure sodium lights over the poppy plants at a height of 6 to 8 inches above the top of the plant. Raise the lights as the plants grow to prevent foliage burn. Use a halide light if you are unable to find the high-pressure sodium lights.
Step Eight
Install support posts around the poppy plants as they grow taller to prevent drooping or damage to the foliage and flowers.