Himalayan Blue Poppy Care: Growing Meconopsis “Asiatic Poppies”

The Himalayan Blue Poppy is part of the plant genus Meconopsis [mee-koh-NOP-sis] consisting of a little over forty species of flowering plants.

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One of the most popular species is the Meconopsis Betonicifolia, commonly called the “Asiatic poppy.” Depending on the variety of this species, it’s also sometimes known by the following names:

  • Tibetan poppy
  • Himalayan blue poppy
  • Blue poppy

The name “meconopsis” means “looks like a poppy” in Greek. It belongs to the Papaveraceae family which is commonly called the poppy family.

It has stunningly blue flowers measuring four to five inches across. However, the blue variety is one of the rarest of the Asiatic Poppies.

In fact, all varieties of Asiatic Poppies can be hard to obtain.



If you’re lucky enough to find one of these plants, you’ll probably find one of the yellow or red varieties.

While it’s an attractive plant, it can be difficult to care for outside of its preferred climate. Its native habitat is Western Europe, including parts of the UK, and thrives in cool humid shade.

Meconopsis Care

Himalyan Poppies Size and Height

Asiatic poppies typically grow to about 16” to 48” inches in height with minimal spread.

Each blue poppy plant produces a cluster of branched stems with lobed or toothed leaves. They are also typically covered in soft bristles.

Blue Color Poppy Flowers and Fragrance

The Asiatic Poppy comes in a rainbow of colors. While the bright blue poppy is the most sought after, these poppies also come in various shades of red and yellow.

Meconopsis Betonicifolia typically blooms in the middle of summer for a short period. The plant also lacks any noticeable fragrance.

Light and Temperature Requirements

These poppies can be grown in partial shade to full sun. The main concern is wind, as it can break the long stems.

Meconopsis poppies prefers moderate, humid temperatures. However, they do not handle cold well. During the winter, plants may not survive freezing temperatures.

Watering and Fertilizing Tibetian Blue Poppies

Water these Asiatic poppies frequently throughout the summer and less often during the winter.

Add fertilizer when planting seeds or when first bringing young plants home. Fertilize several times throughout the summer months with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Soil and Planting For Blue Himalayan Poppy Plants

Blue poppies should only be transplanted when you first get them home or when transplanting seedlings to their permanent home.

The Asiatic Poppy has a short lifespan and shouldn’t need transplanting each season.

Use a moist soil containing humus and provides fast drainage. You don’t want the roots sitting in soaked soil.

NOTE: Use sterilized potting soil to help reduce the risk of fungus that may attack seedlings.

Maintenance and Grooming Asiatic Poppies

The flowers and stems eventually start to fade on Meconopsis plants which typically only last one or two years.

However, clean up any dead leaves, flowers, or stems until the plant reaches the end of its life span.

How to Propagate Meconopsis

You can propagate the Meconopsis plants by collecting and planting the seeds.

Wait until the plant produces flowers and the flowers die off they should form a seed pod that slowly turns light brown.

  • Carefully trim the seed pod from the plant with a pair of gardening shears (Felco)
  • Place the pod on a paper towel
  • Allow the pod to completly dry for one to two weeks.
  • When the pod and seeds are dry, sake the pod
  • You should be able to hear the seeds rattle around
  • Plant blue poppy seeds at the beginning of March in shallow containers you can set by a windowsill.
  • Use sterilized potting soil and scatter the seeds across the top.
  • Sprinkle or sieve a thin layer of moist soil on top of the seed and moisten it with a spray bottle.
  • The soil should be wet but not soaked.
  • Cover the tray with plastic and keep it in sunlight.
  • When the seedlings grow and sprout leaves, transplant into small pots.
  • Depending on size place one to three plants in the same pot

By early May, the young poppies should be ready to transplant outdoors, unless you plan to keep them inside as houseplants.

Remember to keep taller varieties in an area shielded from the wind.

What Pests or Diseases Do Meconopsis Plants Face?

Asiatic Poppies are relatively easy to care for, with few threats. The two most common problems include aphid infestations and fungus.

Aphids can be rinsed away with a spray of water from a water bottle.

Fungus is more of a threat for the seedlings. As mentioned, using sterilized potting soil helps you avoid this problem.

Suggested Meconopsis Uses

Use these poppies anywhere you want to add a splash of color.

Whether you purchase the blue, red, or yellow varieties, the vibrant flowers instantly brighten any room.

Asiatic Poppies can be grown outdoors in moderate climates. However, they need protection from strong winds that may damage the plant.

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