(Papaver somniferum) Stunning. Deep purple verging on black poppies with finely cut, frilly petals. 4’ tall and a necessity in your garden. Lovely decorative pods.
80-90 days. UO

Packet: 300 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out early Spring.

Direct sow in late Fall or early Spring.

Note: We transplant all our poppies in the Spring because, such small seeds and such hungry slugs! Take care to keep plants from becoming root-bound and be gentle when transplanting. Poppies prefer cool soil. Slugs LOVE poppy plants so keep and eye out!

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8"

SPACING:

8-10" in rows 1.5' apart.

EMERGENCE:

10-25 days @ soil temp 50-70F

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Low to average. Tolerant to most soil types but prefers well-drained and evenly moist soil with a pH between 6.0-7. Will tolerate low fertility.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

While not absolutely necessary, you may provide a staking or netting to keep them upright and tidy.

Be gentle with the roots when transplanting to avoid transplant shock that can cause very slow growth.

Transplant into cool soil.

Continue to cut and deadhead and the plants will be wildly floriferous!

Harvest when flowers are 1/3 open, sear (10 seconds) and expect a short 2-3 day vase life.

Poppy, Peony, 'Black Swan'