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Common poppy Seeds - Papaver rhoeas

Papaver rhoeas
Common Poppy, Corn Poppy, Field Poppy

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alexandra, 26/11/2023

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This adorable annual weed that was once so widespread in our countrysides, blooms in summer bearing scarlet, ruffled corolla, springing up from forgotten lands like a beautiful surprise. This very simple flower is ideal for effortlessly creating unforgettable scenes. Perfect in brand new gardens, indispensable in natural areas, this plant self-seeds readily. It thrives in full sun, making do with any mediocre soil, even heavy, calcareous and degraded ones. Sowing them is a piece of cake.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
20 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing
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Sowing period February to April, October
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

Papaver rhoeas, better known as the common poppy ro red poppy, is an adorable annual weed that was once very widespread in our countryside. It blooms in summer, bearing scarlet, ruffled corolla, springing up from forgotten lands like a beautiful surprise. This very simple flower is ideal for effortlessly creating unforgettable scenes. Perfect in brand new gardens, indispensable in natural areas, this plant self-seeds readily. It thrives in full sun and makes do with any mediocre soil, even heavy, calcareous and degraded ones. Sowing them is a piece of cake.

 

 The field poppy, also known as the common poppy, or simply poppy, is an annual plant of the family Papaveraceae that is native to Asia Minor. Fast growing, in one season it reaches a height of 60 cm when in flower and a width of 30 cm. Fragile in appearance, just like their slender, rough and sparsely branched stems, these plants form clumps of alternate leaves that are divided into narrow, toothed lobes. Their true vigour is revealed when they inevitably emerge from freshly overturned soil, germinating from seeds that are sometimes very old. The broken stems exude a white, milky sap. They flower in summer, from June to August, depending on the climate and the time of sowing. The flowers are shaped into open cups made up of four, very noticeable, silky, slightly crumpled, scarlet or ponceau hued petals. The centre bears numerous stamens with bluish-black anthers. The flowers give way to fruits in the form of capsules containing numerous seeds that the wind will scatter.

 

At ease in wild gardens, in cloister gardens and gardens without gardeners, poppies make it possible to quickly and effortlessly create oceans of flowers of poignant simplicity, harmonizing perfectly with the harsh summer light. Although they are not very long-lasting in bouquets, poppy flowers are extremely charming in beds when combined with bearded irises, tall daisies, large peonies or the swaying leaves of grasses. This annual plant, like cosmos, has no equal when it comes to covering sunny embankments around new constructions and bright open spaces between annuals or big, late flowering perennials such as Helianthus whose blooms take over later in the season. If you still want to make bouquets with these flowers, the stems should be cauterized where they have been cut in order to prevent the flowers from fading the same day.

 

The poppy is the international symbol dedicated to the memory of Allied soldiers who died in combat during the First World War.

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Poppies and annual poppies: sowing, growing and care
Family sheet
by Viviane 12 min.
Poppies and annual poppies: sowing, growing and care
Read article

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Papaver

Species

rhoeas

Family

Papaveraceae

Other common names

Common Poppy, Corn Poppy, Field Poppy

Origin

East Asia

Product reference • 5471

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Planting and care

Sow poppy seeds directly outdoors in their final positions, in spring. Choose a location in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil that has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow the fine seeds just below the soil's surface, mixing them with sand or a special sowing soil in order to sow less densely. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 18-22 days. When the poppy seedlings are sufficiently large enough to be handled, thin the seedlings out to 30 cm apart. They should not run out of water or food in the summer. They can be easily resown in the garden. Cut off spent flowers if you wish to avoid self-seeding. Even if they prefer clay, calcareous soils, poppies are undemanding plants that adapt to most well-prepared soils. Their seeds retain their germinating power for a long time, and it is not uncommon for seedlings to emerge years after a 'failed' sowing, after having dug up the soil. Important note: all poppies are toxic. However, seeds produced by the species P. somniferum and P. paeoniflorum can be used for general consumption. In general, the seeds are used in baking recipes (breads, cakes...).

Sowing period

Sowing period February to April, October
Sowing method Direct sowing
Germination time (days) 20 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Slope
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, ordinary, well-cultivated

Planting & care advice

  1. How to sow poppies (Papaver rhoeas) Quick overview - Best time to sow: autumn (Sept–Nov) for naturalised displays; early spring possible if ground not frozen. - Position: full sun, well‑drained soil; tolerates poor to moderately fertile soil. - Sowing method: direct sow outdoors — seeds are tiny and must not be buried. Step‑by‑step 1. Prepare seedbed - Clear weeds and break up large clods. Rake surface to a fine tilth and firm lightly so soil is level. 2. Mix seeds for even sowing - Mix seeds with a little dry sand to help distribute them evenly. 3. Sow - Scatter seeds thinly over surface. Do not cover or cover only with a dusting of fine soil (0–2 mm). Poppy seeds need light to germinate. - Aim to thin to about 10–15 cm between plants once established. 4. Watering after sowing - Water gently to settle seeds if soil is dry. Keep surface moist until seedlings emerge, then reduce frequency. Poppies dislike waterlogged conditions. 5. Germination and growth - Germination usually in 7–21 days at 10–18°C; autumn sown seed will usually germinate the following spring after winter chilling. 6. Thinning and care - Thin seedlings to final spacing to avoid overcrowding. Avoid high nitrogen feeds; a light, balanced feed only if soil is very poor. - Deadhead spent flowers to prolong flowering, or leave seedheads if you want self‑sown volunteers next year. 7. Avoid transplanting - Most annual poppies resent root disturbance; direct sowing gives best results. For perennial species (eg Papaver orientale), sow under cover and transplant when large enough. Sowing rate and timing - Tiny seeds: a pinch or 0.5–1 g per m² is usually sufficient for a good display. For drifts, sow more densely and then thin. - Flowering: often in late spring to summer after spring sowing; autumn sown plants often flower earlier in first summer. Problems and tips - Poppies thrive in lean, well‑drained soil — avoid rich, manured ground which promotes foliage at expense of flowers. - Slugs can attack young seedlings; protect if needed. - Sow in drifts rather than rows for a natural look. Combine with cornflower, chamomile or alliums for attractive wildflower-style borders. If you want, tell me which poppy species you plan to sow (common poppy, oriental poppy, opium poppy, etc.) and whether you prefer a meadow or border planting — I can give tailored instructions. Tips

    How to sow poppies (Papaver rhoeas) Quick overview - Best time to sow: autumn (Sept–Nov) for naturalised displays; early spring possible if ground not frozen. - Position: full sun, well‑drained soil; tolerates poor to moderately fertile soil. - Sowing method: direct sow outdoors — seeds are tiny and must not be buried. Step‑by‑step 1. Prepare seedbed - Clear weeds and break up large clods. Rake surface to a fine tilth and firm lightly so soil is level. 2. Mix seeds for even sowing - Mix seeds with a little dry sand to help distribute them evenly. 3. Sow - Scatter seeds thinly over surface. Do not cover or cover only with a dusting of fine soil (0–2 mm). Poppy seeds need light to germinate. - Aim to thin to about 10–15 cm between plants once established. 4. Watering after sowing - Water gently to settle seeds if soil is dry. Keep surface moist until seedlings emerge, then reduce frequency. Poppies dislike waterlogged conditions. 5. Germination and growth - Germination usually in 7–21 days at 10–18°C; autumn sown seed will usually germinate the following spring after winter chilling. 6. Thinning and care - Thin seedlings to final spacing to avoid overcrowding. Avoid high nitrogen feeds; a light, balanced feed only if soil is very poor. - Deadhead spent flowers to prolong flowering, or leave seedheads if you want self‑sown volunteers next year. 7. Avoid transplanting - Most annual poppies resent root disturbance; direct sowing gives best results. For perennial species (eg Papaver orientale), sow under cover and transplant when large enough. Sowing rate and timing - Tiny seeds: a pinch or 0.5–1 g per m² is usually sufficient for a good display. For drifts, sow more densely and then thin. - Flowering: often in late spring to summer after spring sowing; autumn sown plants often flower earlier in first summer. Problems and tips - Poppies thrive in lean, well‑drained soil — avoid rich, manured ground which promotes foliage at expense of flowers. - Slugs can attack young seedlings; protect if needed. - Sow in drifts rather than rows for a natural look. Combine with cornflower, chamomile or alliums for attractive wildflower-style borders. If you want, tell me which poppy species you plan to sow (common poppy, oriental poppy, opium poppy, etc.) and whether you prefer a meadow or border planting — I can give tailored instructions.

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4,0/5

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