Expert: nick mccann - 5/9/2009

Question
Hi, I have a matilija poppy that is in a 3 gallon container. At it's tallest it is about 2 feet high. How long I can grow it in the container safely? Does it need to get into the ground right away? I sure hope you can help me!
Regards,
Maria

Answer
Hi Maria, that would be tantamount to trying to raise an elephant in a shed....the roots system is going to be the precluding factor here, it will need way more room then even the largest containers can provide; these poppys spread with new bulbs forming throughout the year and need all the room you can give them to do so. Pruning the roots periodically is the only way to keep them under control. It would do fine for a couple of months, but then as it got cramped, it would begin to effect the plant in general. Nick