🌳 Poplar: Growing Guide
Poplar (Populus) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −40 to 38 °C (−40 to 100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–8.0. Space plants about 500 cm (197 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Populus |
|---|---|
| Category | Shade Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 500 cm (197 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −40 to 38 °C (−40 to 100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 2000–4000 cm (787–1575 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Growing tips
Fast growth. Good as a windbreak. Pyramidal (Lombardy) vs silver.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Poplar: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr.
Poplar: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Loves moisture.
Poplar: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 500 cm (197 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Poplar: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Poplar: which plants grow well with it?
Willow.
Poplar: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Poplar borer, Rust.
Plan your garden
Add Poplar to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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