Papaver orientale 'Oriental Poppy'

A perennial poppy, to 90cm high, with bristly stems and finely divided, dark green leaves covered with silvery hairs. In early to midsummer, produces pendent buds that straighten and open to large, bowl-shaped, orange-red flowers to 15cm across, with small purple-black blotches at the base of the petals. Native to the Caucasus, north-eastern Turkey, and northern Iran.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Papaver orientale usually thrives in soil pH 6.5 to 7.5 and in full sun or part shade. Seeds are sown after the potential of frost has passed, the average temperature is approximately 21°C and when soil has thoroughly warmed. Seeds need to be surface sown as light stimulates germination. Oriental Poppies do not handle transplanting or over-watering well. Germination period is 10–20 days. Mulch can be used to protect the plant over the winter and deadheading will produce a second flower. 

HARVESTED: 2022*

APPROX. 300+ SEEDS