One of my favorite flowers is the poppy. My favorite color is blue. So, for years I've tried to grow a Himalayan blue poppy. (Meconopsis betonicifolia) The plants die, the seeds don't germinate. I have tried it in HI, TX, CA, and OK. I have followed the label directions exactly, and tried to grow under what I felt were "babying" conditions. Nothing. Soooo, have any of you been successful, and if so, what did you do different than the directions?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
This was an interesting article.
I have grown one for about three years. Had a bloom on it last year and harvested seeds. They did germinate in 4 inch pots. I planted them out last fall so we shall see if they over wintered. My plant is in a 5 gallon pot with nothing else. I'm in the PNW, not sure you have a chance there in TX. I do believe the summers are too hot for these plants.

PNW is where they want to grow. Not here on Long Island, not HI or TX or OK or CA. We have to be content to enjoy the photos. It's rotten but true.

They do like cooler conditions.
I germinate seeds in a cool winter south window, and keep them shaded from direct sun.
I tried for years, but one must get fresh seeds, so I bought some plants and saved the seeds from them.
I recommend starting with meconopsis horridula as it almost always germinates.
The flowers are not as blue as betoncifolia or Lingholm, but it is a good way to start.
I have seedlings for all three plus a mixture on the go.
I hope that I can carry them through to the garden, and have them flower in 2015.

One more thing ---I add peat to the growing medium because they like acidic conditions.

Well, you all stopped me before I ordered yet another packet of seeds and tried to grow them in hot, humid, sunny Texas

I would not think they would do well there.