I have loved poppies ever since I was a child. I remember when the Disabled Veterans use to sell the poppies around Memorial Day for 10 cents and I always had to have one. I have received a number of free seed packets of poppies which all say to plant in late Fall or early Spring. Has anyone planted poppies? When is the best time to plant them? Any tips?

A number of years ago Southern Living had an article about a lady in Homewood who had Flanders poppies. It seems her brother fought in World War 1 and gathered seeds before he left Europe. They were forgotten and were in his uniform pocket for many years before they found and planted. The descendants of those seeds were still growing in her yard after 60 years. As I get older, I more and more appreciate things like heirloom poppies and plants. And who can forget the poem,

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields.

-- John McCrae