Flatbud Prickly Poppy

The Flatbud Prickly Poppy (Argemone munita) is a species in the poppy family native to the southwestern United States. This forb grows between 2-3 feet tall and features deeply lobed, spiny leaves that give it a very distinctive appearance. This plant is adapted to arid climates and is often found in desert regions and disturbed areas. It can tolerate a very low annual precipitation of about 10″.

General Description:

Flatbud Prickly Poppy (Argemone munita) is a perennial that grows between 2-3 feet tall. Its leaves are deeply lobed, and spiny giving it a very distinctive appearance. The plant is covered in a waxy coating that helps it withstand dry conditions. The flatbed poppy blooms large, white to pale yellow flowers. The flowers have an appearance of a flat central cluster of yellow or orange stamens. It commonly produces seed pods that are spiny and somewhat flat, hence how the flower got its name “flatbed”.

Uses:

Flatbud Prickly Poppy is often used in landscaping because of its striking appearance with large, white to pale yellow flowers. This flower often provides great habitat and food for certain types of wildlife like pollinators. In some cases it can be uses for erosion control due to its root system that helps hold soil in place.

Planting Conditions:

Flatbud Pickly Poppy prefers arid conditions. It is often found in desert regions. It prefers sandy or gravelly soils as they provide great drainage. It can also tolerate rocky soils. Drainage is crucial because it does not tolerate waterlogged soils. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. The ideal pH range is 6.0 to 7.5. Flatbud Poppy thives in bright, direct sunlight. It is well suited for warmer temperatures and can tolerate some front.

Establishment:

The best time to plant Argemone munita is in spring or early fall to give it time to establish before extreme temperature. Before planting make sure to remove any existing weeds, debris, and exciting vegetation to reduce as much competition as possible and improve seed to soil contact. Broadcast the seed out evenly over the soil. Highly rake the soil to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or gravel. By doing this it helps protect the seeds and improves germination.

Seeds generally germinate within 2-4 weeks depending on temperature and moisture.

Seeding Rate:

Flatbud Prickly Poppy seeding rate is between 2-4 pounds per acre

Watering:

Once the poppy seeds have been planted water the area lightly to help settle the seed into the soil. Since this species is adapted to dry conditions it requires very low to infrequent watering. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.