I have often wondered the same thing. I did hope to try it this year. I have got some M. Betonicifloia seedlings which I am going to try to grow in a very cool, moist part of my woods. I'm hoping for flowers. The only catch is I can't seem to get the m. cambrica seeds to germinate! I keep thinking that there must be some catch or for sure someone would have done it before. But I guess I'll give it a try anyway if I can. It can't hurt.
Joseph.

This sounds like a great idea Daniel. Good luck, and be patient, it may take some time. An easier to grow blue poppy would be a big, big seller!

Somewhere I saw an article on the Welsh Poppy, Meconopsis cambrica - it stated that the plant may be put into another genus due to its differences from the Meconopsis family. This shouldn't stop you from any hybridizing experiments though!
Joseph - The "easiest" method to get M. cambrica to germinate is to sow the seed outside in the autumn and it will naturally statify through the winter. The seed needs a long, cold moist period and light to germinate - do not cover the seed with soil - and come spring you should see plenty of seedlings. This Meconopsis will seed itself around without any problem once you have the plants established.
I grow several kinds of Meconopsis at my nursery, cambrica, the double forms of cambrica, cambrica "Francis Perry" betonicifolia, a multi petaled form of betonicifolia, "Harlow Car" and a few others. Not far from me a neigbor raises Honey Bees - you would think that there might be some natural hybrids arising from open pollination. Do collect seed from some of these plants - but they seem to stay fairly true to type.

Hi Jeff,

The Meconopsis have been a lifelong fascination for me. I am moving soon to the Portland, Oregon area. Which area near Portland would you consider the best for growing this rare and wonderful plant.

All my previous efforts at growing Meconopsis failed but I live in hot, smoggy Silly-Con Valley at present.

Thanks for your input in advance.

Bob

Here is a link that might be useful: Husband Bob's Webpage

I have been breeding for about 5 years... Let me know what you are looking for........

Is it too hot in the Willamette Valley of Oregon to grow Meconopsis poppies?

It is not too hot in the willamette valley if you plant it in the right location!! I have about 10 that come back year after year and I am in the valley

I know it's far too hot in the greenhouse....

I grew some seedling of the blue poppies this spring, but after transplanting, they lingered a while and then disappeared (slugs?). Anyway, it was a disappointment.

This link may help
Hugs Bonnie

http://www.alchemy-works.com/meconopsis_betonicifolia.html#How