Moving an oriental Poppy - Ask Extension
I have a poppy plant in my backyard and would like to move it to my front yard. Is it possible to dig it up and replant it? If so, what’s the best w...
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Moving an oriental Poppy #760058
Asked July 05, 2021, 1:34 PM EDT
I have a poppy plant in my backyard and would like to move it to my front yard. Is it possible to dig it up and replant it? If so, what’s the best way to do so? Thank you.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi, Tamara,
Oriental poppies have a large taproot, so they can be difficult to transplant. If you want to try, wait until late summer/early fall when they aren't actively growing and dig a big area around and below it, trying not to break the root. If it's really dry, water the area a couple of days before you want to transplant so that digging is easier. Then move the entire root ball to the already prepared new spot. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with ground around it and give it a good watering after you move it. Keep it watered until the rains come back, though don't let it sit in standing water. They like to grow in full sun with well drained soil.
Oriental poppies have a large taproot, so they can be difficult to transplant. If you want to try, wait until late summer/early fall when they aren't actively growing and dig a big area around and below it, trying not to break the root. If it's really dry, water the area a couple of days before you want to transplant so that digging is easier. Then move the entire root ball to the already prepared new spot. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with ground around it and give it a good watering after you move it. Keep it watered until the rains come back, though don't let it sit in standing water. They like to grow in full sun with well drained soil.
