Poppy 'Hen and Chickens'
Papaver somniferum

SKU # S1608

Product Type: Seed Packet

Approximate Seeds Per Packet: 550

Availability:

In Stock

$3.00

Poppies and their crowned seed capsules full to brimming with edible seeds have been with us since antiquity, long considered a symbol of fertility. This ancient form of poppy has a central capsule surrounded by clustered "chicks" that make a unique addition to dried bouquets. A cool season flower, sow early into cold soil that is fertile and well-drained.

Cannot ship to WV and Canada.

Lifecycle: Annual

Hardiness: Hardy Annual

Size: 2-3' h x 10" w

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained

Season: Spring to summer

Seed to Bloom: 14 weeks

Color: Light to deep rose

Growing Guide
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HOW TO GROW Papaver somniferum

Sowing Instructions

Depth: Surface sow; requires light to germinate
Sprout Time: 5-20 days
Starting Indoors: Sow in pots 6-8 weeks before last frost, cover lightly with vermiculite or a humidity dome and keep at 65-70°F until germination, then at 50-60°F. Be very gentle when transplanting, as poppies do not like to be disturbed.
Starting Outdoors: Recommended. Direct sow 4 weeks before last spring frost or in late autumn (Autumn only in zones 8+). Mix seed with fine sand to scatter thinly over prepared soil to avoid overcrowding.
When to Set Outside: At last spring frost date.

Placement & Cultivation

The symbol of sleep and death, but also of fertility, opium poppies have been with us since antiquity. They self-sow to bloom each year with flamboyant blooms and sea green jagged foliage. An essential cottage garden flower, it requires fertile, sandy soils and an early start. Bees of all kinds will seek them out, often jostling each other in competition for the golden pollen. Site in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, harvest its edible seeds or pick the seed pods on long stems for dried flower bouquets.
Final Spacing: 1'
Water Use: Medium Water Use
Watering Details: These plants prefer evenly moist soil, but can tolerate drought. About an inch of water per week.
Soil pH:
Fertilizer: Mix in 2" inches of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests: Fungal diseases can be prevented by regularly spraying with organic fungicides and spacing at least 1' apart for good air circulation. If slugs and snails damage seedlings, sprinkle the surrounding soil with pelletized iron phosphate, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth.
When to Cut For Bouquets: Decorative dried seed pods.

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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Bees went crazy over these! Thursday, September 30, 2021

By MINNEAPOLIS , MN

Select Seeds Confirmed Purchase

I started these indoors under lights and planted them outside in late May. It took awhile but once they took off they were amazing. The plants quickly got too heavy and fell over though. I enjoyed the blooms and was able to save some seed heads for an indoor dried bouquet.

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Poppy 'Hen and Chickens'
Papaver somniferum

HOW TO GROW Papaver somniferum

Sowing Instructions

Placement & Cultivation

Ratings & Reviews

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Poppy 'Hen and Chickens' Papaver somniferum

HOW TO GROW Papaver somniferum

Sowing Instructions

Placement & Cultivation

Ratings & Reviews

Notify Me

Email A Friend

Poppy 'Hen and Chickens'
Papaver somniferum