Growing Poppies Hydroponically
Poppy plants are available as an annual or perennial in a variety of sizes and colors. The plants are propagated by planting seeds, which can be grown indoors after collection. The seedlings can be grown in a hydroponics system once they have grown established roots and buds are present. Hydroponically grown poppies can remain growing indoors or transplanted to a flower bed once there is no longer a risk of frost in spring.
Sow seeds in a tray of seed-starting medium six to eight weeks prior to planting the hydroponics system. Cover the tray with clear plastic and place it in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
Thin the seedlings when they reach 1 inch in height by cutting off the competing seedlings at the soil level.
- Poppy plants are available as an annual or perennial in a variety of sizes and colors.
- The seedlings can be grown in a hydroponics system once they have grown established roots and buds are present.
Replant the poppy seedlings into a hydroponics system once the buds have formed. Rinse the seed-starting soil gently from each poppy plant root system prior to planting it in a hydroponics pot.
Pot the seedlings in the hydroponics pot filled with rock wool. The type of pot will vary based on the hydroponics system being used.
Mix the nutrient water at a level of 3 tbsp. fertilizer per 1 gallon of water being used. Connect the hydroponics system and turn on the pump system. Use a liquid fertilizer that is recommended for poppy plants.
- Replant the poppy seedlings into a hydroponics system once the buds have formed.
Set up the high-pressure sodium light to shine on the poppy plants. This light type works better for poppy plants than a halide lamp.
Grow Green Peppers Hydroponically
Fill the hydroponics unit with water, and let it run for two or three days before planting the green peppers. Add hydroponics nutrients to the water, using the package instructions for the volume of water in the system. Remove the green pepper seedlings from their growing container. You can leave a small amount of soil on the roots when planting into the hydroponics system. Plant each soilless green pepper plant into a netted pot containing a soilless hydroponics medium. Set the plants slightly deeper than they were growing in the original container. Put a timer on the lights so that they stay on for 10 to 12 hours each day. Monitor the water level in the hydroponics system. Add water as needed to keep enough water in the system for proper growth. Prune the pepper plants by pinching off two or three stem buds when the plants are about 6 to 8 inches tall to limit branch growth and force the plant energy toward pepper production.
- Set up the high-pressure sodium light to shine on the poppy plants.
- Add hydroponics nutrients to the water, using the package instructions for the volume of water in the system.
Tip
A deep-water hydroponics system is an easy-to-use method for beginner hydroponics.
Related Articles
References
Tips
- A deep-water hydroponics system is an easy-to-use method for beginner hydroponics.
Writer Bio
Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
