Red horned poppy (Glaucium corniculatum)

Also known as: Common horned poppy

The red horned poppy (Glaucium corniculatum) showcases eye-catching red blooms, each petal featuring a dark spot near its base. The plant's name, Glaucium, is inspired by the Greek term for sea green, reflecting its blue-green, wavy foliage. This summer-blooming flower is resistant to rabbits and deer. Originally from Eurasia, it has also been introduced to various regions across the United States.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Red horned poppy

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 40 cm

Spread

40 cm

Leaf Color

Gray Green Silver

Flower Size

5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Red Orange Black

Images of Red horned poppy

Quickly Identify Red horned poppy

Identify Glaucium corniculatum by its distinct bright red flowers with black markings at the base, and its long, curved seed pods that resemble horns. The leaves are bluish-green and lobed, often covered with a fine, hairy texture.

Scientific Classification of Red horned poppy

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Poppy

Genus

Horned poppies

Species

Red horned poppy

Planting and Growing of Red horned poppy

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Red horned poppy?

The watering amount for Glaucium corniculatum should be around 500 milliliters per session. It's important to water until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Aim for the soil to be dry to the touch on the surface before watering again, ensuring you avoid root rot while promoting healthy growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Red horned poppy? ›

What should I do if my Red horned poppy is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Red horned poppy? ›

How to save an overwatered Red horned poppy? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Red horned poppy?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Glaucium corniculatum thrives best under full sun conditions, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This lighting encourages prolific blooming and sustains the plant's vigor, enhancing its ornamental value.

What type of lighting conditions does Glaucium corniculatum prefer? ›

How can you provide ideal lighting conditions for Glaucium corniculatum? ›

What benefits does Glaucium corniculatum gain from ideal lighting conditions? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Red horned poppy?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Glaucium corniculatum is between 60°F and 75°F. Within this range, the plant can carry out its physiological processes most efficiently. Moderate temperatures ensure optimal growth and blooming, making it suitable for the plant's natural Mediterranean habitat.

What Soil is Best for Red horned poppy?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Glaucium corniculatum thrives in well-draining soil which prevents waterlogging and root rot. Ensuring adequate drainage mimics its natural habitat and promotes healthy growth. While this plant isn't a heavy feeder, it benefits from moderate nutrient levels in the soil, providing the essential minerals for robust flowering and vibrant foliage. A soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for Glaucium corniculatum, helping it utilize nutrients effectively and maintain balance within the soil ecosystem.

How to Fertilize Red horned poppy?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Glaucium corniculatum, apply a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended strength to avoid root burn. Typically, 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer diluted in 1 gallon of water is sufficient for every application.

How to Prune Red horned poppy?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead or diseased stems to promote healthy growth. Use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners to make clean cuts. Follow the natural shape of the plant while trimming back overgrown areas to maintain its unique form. Aim for balance and symmetry, cutting above a leaf node to encourage branching. Glaucium corniculatum blooms can be deadheaded to prolong the flowering period. Simply snip off spent flowers as close to the main stem as possible. This prevents the plant from channeling energy into seed production and can initiate new blooms, ensuring continuous coloration and beauty through the seasons. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Red horned poppy plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Fill the seed tray with potting soil, levelling it off gently. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged before sowing the seeds.

Scatter the Glaucium corniculatum seeds thinly over the soil surface. Cover them lightly with a thin layer of potting soil—about twice the thickness of the seed—and press down gently.

Carefully water the seeds using a fine mist spray to avoid washing away the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet to prevent fungal diseases.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Red horned poppy plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Repotting Glaucium corniculatum should occur when you notice roots poking out of the drainage holes or when the plant's growth appears stunted. Spring or early summer is ideal, as this is the growing season, allowing the plant to recover quickly from any stress caused by repotting.

Choose a pot that's slightly larger than the current one, ideally with good drainage. A terracotta pot is beneficial as it allows air circulation and excess moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of root rot for this drought-tolerant species.

Opt for a well-draining soil mix, such as a sandy or gritty composition. This ensures that the roots don't remain in soggy conditions, which is crucial for Glaucium corniculatum, as it prefers dry, porous substrates similar to its native habitat.

Toxicity

Ingestion, Skin Contact

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.