Sow Meconopsis seed in late summer or late winter. Fine seed can be surface-sown but is prone to drying out or, in wet conditions, to damping off. Instead, mix two parts multipurpose compost with one part dampened perlite. Use to fill a cell tray, tapping on the bench to settle the compost, and top off with damp perlite.
After germination, place in a shaded cold frame. Grow on until well rooted. Pot up plugs separately; this avoids damage to tap roots caused by pricking out. Keep pots shaded and use a liquid feed every two weeks until plants are big enough to plant out.
Take a pinch of seed and sprinkle in the centre of each cell. Seedlings soon appear
Pot up each plug using your compost and perlite mix, avoiding root damage
Plant out in a lime-free soil before roots fill the pot to enjoy the majestic blue flowers