Papaver rhoeas
common poppy
A much-loved annual wildflower, which has also become a symbol of remembrance. It looks spectacular when colonising cornfields or giant swathes of newly ploughed pastures and the vibrant red flowers are loved by bees.
How to care for Papaver rhoeas:
These poppies tend to resent root disturbance, so plant or sow them in situ. If you don't want them to self-seed, then remove the spent flowerheads after the petals fall. If however you'd like another batch of self-sown seedlings in subsequent years, leave the seedheads intact, and when the seed has ripened, give them a gentle shake to spread their contents. When watering, avoid the 'little and often' approach, but when the soil becomes dry, water thoroughly so it can really soak in.
Sowing instructions:
Sow shallowly, directly into a well prepared bed in spring, or (for an earlier display the following year) late summer to early autumn. Water well and as the seedlings appear, thin them out to 30cm intervals keeping just the healthiest and most robust ones to develop.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 2000 seeds
was £2.79
now £2.23
Seed Packets (only)£2.95
Named Day Delivery£10.95
