Papaver somniferum 'Lilac Pompom'
opium poppy 'Lilac Pompom'
Super-sized, fully double flowers with a frilly, somewhat shredded appearance top the stout bristly stems throughout summer. A beautiful addition to cottage gardens, Papaver somniferum ' Lilac Pompom' blends beautifully with most shades of pink, purple and plum. After the petals fall, attractive seedheads develop, which will remain interesting well into autumn.
Please note that while the rest of the plant is harmful if eaten, the poppy seeds collected from the dried, decorative seedpods are edible for baking, or adding flavour to curries and salads.
Please note that while the rest of the plant is harmful if eaten, the poppy seeds collected from the dried, decorative seedpods are edible for baking, or adding flavour to curries and salads.
How to care for Papaver somniferum Lilac Pompom:
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 (12in) 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:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
