(Papaver somniferum) We love the drama of frilly, pom-pom type peony poppies and are delighted with this soft lavender version of the form to accompany Black Swan and Frilled White in our collection. Blooms seemingly explode from their buds like a supernova before eventually carpeting the ground in their huge volume of spent petals. Seed pods, both green and dried, are wonderful in bouquets. 2.5-3.5' tall.
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:

Surface sow or cover very lightly.

SPACING:

8-12" in rows 1.5' apart.

EMERGENCE:

7-21 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:

Benefits from 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 stem bottom (10 seconds) and expect a short 2-3 day vase life.

Poppy, Peony, 'Lilac Pompom'