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Hunnemannia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Hunnemannia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Tulip poppy, and Golden Cup: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Hunnemannia plant genus are half hardy annuals or perennials that flower from the summer until early autumn.

They have fern-like leaves and carry stems that reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) in height and carry poppy like flowers of yellow.

Some common names for Hunnemannia are Golden cup and Mexican tulip poppy.

Tulip Poppy
Tulip Poppy by HGM.

Hunnemannia Plant Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Tulip poppy, Mexican tulip poppy, Golden Cup.
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial commonly grown as a Half Hardy Annual by gardeners.
Height: 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm).
Native: Central America.
Northern America: Zones 6 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 to 10.
Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Yellow, Gold. Poppy/Tulip shape. Solitary. Four petals.
Foliage: Greyish-green. Fern-like. Linear lobes.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Late spring or autumn in warm areas. Spacing 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35cm).
Sow Inside: Best started outside. If starting indoors use peat pots. Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Average soils. Drought tolerant.

How to Grow Golden cup, Tulip poppy, and other Hunnemannia Plants in the Garden

It is probably best to start growing Golden cup and tulip poppies indoors first.

Plan to start the process about two months before the last frost of spring.

Sow the seeds in peat pots, and lightly cover with topsoil.

They should be kept at 21 to 24 degrees Centigrade (70 to 75°F), and take three to four weeks to germinate.

Once ready, the young Hunnemannia genus plants should be put out into a sunny part of the garden following the last frost of spring. It is best to space Hunnemannia Plants at about 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) apart.

They can grow in most types of soil but is should be slightly alkaline in nature.

Common Questions

How many members does the Hunnemannia genus have?

The Hunnemannia genus is quite small and includes only one species, Hunnemannia fumariifolia, commonly known as Mexican tulip poppy.

Do members of Hunnemannia make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes! The Mexican tulip poppy is valued for its bright, poppy-like flowers and can be an attractive addition to gardens, particularly in warmer climates.

Which Hunnemannia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

As the only species in the genus, Hunnemannia fumariifolia is the species grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Hunnemannia plant genus fragrant?

Hunnemannia fumariifolia is not known for having a significant fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Hunnemannia?

Hunnemannia fumariifolia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and does well in a variety of soil types.

Is Hunnemannia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Hunnemannia is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Hunnemannia plants from my garden?

To remove Hunnemannia, dig up the plant, ensuring to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Hunnemannia plant genus is a part of the Papaveraceae family. It consists of perennial herbs native to Mexico. These plants, often called Tulip poppies, are known for their large, cup-shaped yellow flowers.

Hunnemannia requires full sun and well-drained soil. The plants are drought-tolerant and prefer a drier climate. They can be propagated by seeds, which are typically sown in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Hunnemannia plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Gladioli, Lilium plant, and Allium plants.