Poppy Peony - Drama Queen

500 seeds

🗓️ When to Sow

• Best Method: Direct sow outdoors

• Timing:

  • Early spring — as soon as soil can be worked

  • Autumn — in mild climates, for earlier spring blooms

🌿 Poppies dislike transplanting. Always direct sow where you want them to grow.

🌱 How to Sow (Direct Outdoors)

1. Choose a Site

   • Full sun (6+ hours/day)

   • Well-draining soil — sandy or average garden soil is ideal

   • Avoid overly rich soil (fewer flowers, more foliage)

2. Prepare the Soil

   • Rake to a fine texture

   • Remove weeds

   • Moisten the soil lightly before sowing

3. Sow the Seeds

   • Mix tiny seeds with sand for even distribution

   • Surface sow — scatter on soil surface

   • Do not cover with soil — light helps germination

   • Press gently into soil for good seed-to-soil contact

4. Watering

   • Mist lightly or use gentle spray to keep soil consistently moist until germination

5. Spacing

   • Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart for strong plants

6. Germination

   • 10–20 days depending on conditions

   • Cool weather (10–15°C / 50–60°F) is ideal for sprouting

🌿 Growing Notes

• Height: 30–40 inches (75–100 cm)

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

• Flowers: Deep burgundy with frilled, black-tinged petals — highly ornamental

• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

• Fertilizer: Not required

• Deadheading: Optional — leave seed pods to dry for self-sowing or collecting

🧷 Extra Tips

• Self-seeds readily if pods are left — excellent for naturalized gardens

• Cut flowers last longer if picked just before fully open

• Pods are also ornamental and can be dried