Mr

Question

I plan to grow a bed of California Poppies in front of my house here in southwestern Canada. I have seen lovely beds of these bright orange flowers growing in my neighbourhood. I dug up all the weeds including the roots, planted 800 poppy seeds, covered them with 1/4 inch of good soil and watered daily. The seeds sprouted many poppy plants, but many more Hairy Crab Grass plants also appeared, completely surrounding all the poppies. My question: Is it best for the poppies if I remove all the crab grass around them? Or would it be less harmful to the poppies if I let them grow in amongst the crab grass?

Answer 1

I would remove what you can without disturbing the roots.Definitely remove anything that is further away from the poppies, and I would start there, but move towards them until you see pulling on the poppies.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poppy/growing-poppy-flowers.htm

Answer 2

I have read that baking soda discourages crabgrass. Does it have the same effect on California Poppies? Or can I use it to discourage the crabgrass and encourage the poppies?

Answer 3

It will kill your poppies, as well. After this treatment, you would have to make the soil usable again, and flush it out, adding compost after if you choose to do this.

Answer 4

OK. I won't use baking soda. Thanks!

Answer 5

I just wouldn’t want you to harm your poppies! With some manual control they should do fine! I’m dealing with the same in my garden. Diligence is key!