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Papaver somniferum paeoniiflorum 'Paeony Black' / Opium Poppy / Seeds

(Code: B&T_014)
£ 1.49
OUT OF STOCK
Papaver somniferum paeoniiflorum 'Paeony Black' / Opium Poppy / Seeds

A heritage variety of annual poppy, popular in Victorian gardens, with big deep purple/black double flowers throughout the summer, from June to August.  This poppy grows to about 1m in height and is a good border plant.


Opium Poppies prefer full sun and can cope with all soils except water logging.  Plants show best grown in groups or less formally in a wildflower meadow.

 

Pack of approx 1000 small seeds.  Sow in autumn or spring directly in the ground or in early spring in pots, for an early start.  Sowing instructions and a colour photo are printed on the packet.


See how your seeds are packed.
Hardiness Hardy annual (RHS Hardiness H5)
Flowers June to August
Height 100cm
Spread 20cm
Conditions  Full sun and well drained soil
Sow

Sow in spring or autumn directly onto the surface of cultivated soil and rake over lightly.  Sow in patterns, such as a cross or circle, so you can identify and remove weed seedlings. Thin directly sown seedlings to about 15cm apart. Or sow in early spring on the surface of plugs or cells of seed compost and keep at room temperature.  Germination takes 10-30days.  Plant out into the garden after the last frost, disturbing the roots as little as possible.  
Grow

Plants grow, flower and then die in the same year.  Once established, plants need little care and attention.  The plants form attractive seedheads after flowering, which look good on plants overwinter.  Scatter seeds into the garden in autumn/winter if you want plants to self-seed, although they may flower in different colours in subsequent years.   Remove seedheads before they mature in late summer if you do not want plants to self-seed.  Remove plants in autumn/winter and sow again in autumn or spring.