Papaver rhoeas Falling in Love

Papaver rhoeas, commonly known as Corn Poppy or Shirley Poppy, is an annual flowering plant known for its vibrant and colorful flowers. 'Falling in Love' is a variety that likely features unique characteristics or colors. Here's a general guide on how to grow Papaver rhoeas, and you can adapt these instructions to the specific requirements of the 'Falling in Love' variety:

**1. Planting Time:**
- Sow Papaver rhoeas seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late fall. Poppies are cool-season flowers that prefer cooler temperatures for germination and early growth.

**2. Sunlight:**
- Plant in a location with full sun. Poppies thrive in sunny conditions.

**3. Soil Preparation:**
- Grow in well-draining soil. Poppies are adaptable to various soil types but prefer moderately fertile soil. Incorporate organic matter, like compost, to improve soil structure.

**4. Planting:**
- Scatter the seeds over the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil. Poppies are tiny seeds, so they don't need to be planted deep. Water the area gently to settle the soil around the seeds. Aim for a spacing of about 6 to 12 inches apart.

**5. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination and early growth stages. Once established, P. rhoeas is somewhat drought-tolerant.

**6. Mulching:**
- Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

**7. Fertilizing:**
- Poppies generally don't require heavy fertilization. If your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time.

**8. Support:**
- While 'Falling in Love' may have a specific growth habit, poppies, in general, do not usually require support.

**9. Deadheading:**
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding if you want to control its spread.

**10. Pests and Diseases:**
- Poppies are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids or caterpillars and treat any issues promptly.

**11. Naturalizing:**
- Poppies can self-seed readily. If you want them to naturalize in your garden, allow some flowers to go to seed, and they may come back on their own in the following seasons.

**12. Enjoy the Blooms:**
- Papaver rhoeas 'Falling in Love' should produce charming and colorful flowers. Enjoy the blossoms in your garden or consider using them in floral arrangements.

Please note that specific growing instructions for 'Falling in Love' may vary, and it's always a good idea to check the seed packet or any provided information for cultivar-specific details. Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions for the best results.