Black Peony Poppy Seeds

Black Peony is a captivating and enchanting poppy variety that is beloved for its deep purple, nearly black blooms. Black Peony features fully double, tightly packed petals, creating a striking and dramatic look. The stunning blooms can reach an impressive size of 10cm across. While each flower only lasts for a day, this self-seeding annual blooms from July through September, making a lasting impression. 

Growing to a height of approximately 90cm, Black Peony Poppy commands attention in any garden setting. Quite easy to grow, Black Peony Poppy simply requires a sunny location, well-drained soil, and regular watering to thrive.

These poppies not only captivate the eyes but also attract bees with their alluring colours and nectar-rich blossoms. They are also resistant to grazing deer, making them an ideal choice for gardens in areas with deer populations. The dried seed heads make a valuable addition to dried flower arrangements, adding texture and rustic charm. The edible seeds can also be used in baking, adding a delightful nutty flavour to your culinary creations.

- Latin Name: Papaver somniferum
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 100
- Planting Depth: 2-3 seeds 5 mm deep or broadcast directly
- Plant Spacing: 15-30 cm
- Growth Habit: 60-90 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Poppies typically bloom from late spring to early summer. They hardly require any maintenance once established and will acclimate to almost any climate over the course of a few seasons.

The easiest way to propagate poppies is to let them do the work! Poppies freely self-seed from one season to the next and will eventually become naturalized to the area in which they grow. But to get a new crop started, sowing directly into the garden is the best option.

Transplanting poppies is a difficult task and is not recommended. Still, it is possible if the correct precautions are taken. Poppies germinate quite easily, but quickly develop a central taproot that does not like to be disrupted. By planting seeds in biodegradable peat or coco pots, this problem can be avoided.

Four to six weeks before the last frost date, plant two or three seeds per pot and lightly cover with soil. Mist and cover with plastic wrap to retain heat and humidity. Pots can be placed on a heat mat and seedlings should appear in about two weeks. Remove the plastic when germination is apparent. When seedlings are about 5 cm in height, thin to a single sprout. Provide bright, filtered light for seedlings. Gradually acclimate young poppies to the outdoors by hardening them off. Prepare the garden bed and dig planting holes (30-45 cm apart) large enough to accommodate the entire pot. Plant the poppies, backfill with soil and water well.

The planting site should be in full sun to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms. If the site is well-drained, poppies can adapt to many types of soil. They’ll even survive and grow in poor soil, but to achieve outstanding results, the addition of a little organic material will go a long way.

Established poppies require little water to thrive. Too much water can quickly lead to leggy, weak stems. Your watering duties are likely to be taken care of by mother nature if you receive regular rainfall. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the blooming window. Poppy flowers are not frost tolerant, but their seeds will endure cold winters and sprout reliably next spring.

QUICK FACTS

- Iceland poppies are also sometimes called ‘’Arctic Poppies’’ because they are perennials that thrive in subarctic conditions.

- Poppy seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.