(Papaver rhoeas) We are told that these grow wild as common field weeds in the south of France. Charming. We get lettuce thistle and the French get pretty little red poppies. So. Not. Fair. A sprinkle of seeds here, a sprinkle there. Wait. Smile and feel joy. Long blooming, brilliant crimson, endlessly cheerful. 1-1.5’.
55-65 days. TR

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:

1/4-1/2"

SPACING:

8-10" in rows 1.5-2' apart.

EMERGENCE:

14-21 days @ soil temp 60-75F

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 and moisture.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

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

Transplant into cool soil.

Prefers cooler nighttime temps.

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

Harvest just before bud break, sear stem ends (10 seconds) and expect a 2-4 day vase life.

Poppy, Shirley, 'Cornfield'