Poppies (Papaver spp.), both wild and cultivated, add visual interest and brilliant color to gardens in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 11. Poppies thrive is sunny sites with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. They prefer soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The pH, or relative acidity or alkalinity, of the soil impacts the ability of the poppy plant to extract minerals from the soil. Savvy gardeners test the soil and add garden lime to adjust their soil's pH level to produce brilliant blooms and lush foliage in their poppies.
The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) flourishes in the western region of the United States, from southeastern Washington State to Baja California. California poppies typically grow at elevations below 2,000 feet. The plant produces parsley-shaped bluish-green leaves topped by bright orange flowers. There are literally dozens of developed hybrid cultivars that exhibit white, red or yellow flowers. California poppies are grown readily from seed available for purchase online or from local home and garden centers. California poppies may be grown as specimen plants in the garden or broadcast in open grasslands to add vivid spring color. California poppies flourish in soils with pH levels from 5.0 to 8.5. California poppies do not normally need to be supplemented with lime, which raises soil pH.
Displaying large, cup-shaped blooms in late spring or early summer, the perennial Oriental poppy is valued for its durability, hardiness and brilliant floral display. Flowers may be up to 6 inches across on 4 foot stems. Floral colors include white, red, orange and apricot. The lush feathery green foliage dies back after the plant flowers. Oriental poppies are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9. Oriental poppies grow best in a full-sun location with nutrient rich, well-drained soil and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. An annual fall application of horticultural-grade garden lime will raise the pH level or "sweeten" the soil to encourage growth and development of next season's flowers and foliage.
The Iceland poppy (P. nudicaule) grows on wiry stems, 18 to 24 inches in length and prefers a semi-dry, full sun location. Iceland poppies flourish in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 10, offering an abundance of white, pink, yellow, orange and salmon colored flowers all summer. Like its cousin the Flanders or red corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Iceland poppies preform best in neutral soil with a pH of 7. Cultivators of Iceland poppies recommend testing the soil every two to three years and amending with garden lime as required.
The Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) is a perennial poppy that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 10. A bushy shrub also known as the "fried egg flower," the plant spreads by rhizomes and does best in well-drained sandy soil. The plant exhibits large papery white flowers and thrives in soil with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. An application of horticultural lime is normally not required in most soils.
Himalayan Blue Poppy
Native to Burma, the perennial Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis "Lingholm") grows best in moist, acidic soil. Garden lime should not be added to planting sites where the blue poppy is cultivated. An alkaline soil will cause the blooms to turn pink. To keep the flowers blue, any application of garden lime is best avoided.
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