Red Poppy Seeds

• HOW TO GROW
• FAST FACTS
• REVIEWS

Sowing: Sow red poppy seeds in late fall or as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Plant just below the surface, lightly compacting the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs within 10-20 days. Do not attempt to move seedlings, since they resent having their roots disturbed.

Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought fairly well, though they appreciate watering in dry weather. Do not move or divide the plants, since they do not transplant well. Deadhead faded blossoms for additional blooming. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately. For especially long-lasting blooms, sear the freshly cut ends with boiling water or a flame.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather the seeds as soon as the pods have opened; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Common Names: Common poppy, Common Red poppy, Corn poppy, Flanders poppy, Shirley poppy

Latin Name: Papaver rhoeas

Species Origin: Introduced US Wildflower

Type: Garden Flowers

Life Cycle: Annual

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 200,000

Stratification: No Stratification

Germination Ease: No Stratification

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Red

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant