Breadseed Poppy ‘Black Beauty’

Papaver species

Features

  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Foliage & Filler
  • One-hit wonder
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

Grown primarily for their decorative seedpods, Breadseed poppies are easy to grow and make a wonderful addition to any garden. The plum-and-red petals on this towering plant look as if they belong to an exotic winged bird. After the flowers fade, they leave behind an abundance of interesting, textural seedpods.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Breadseed poppies resent transplanting and do best when direct-sown. Sow seed directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Slugs love them, so keep an eye out.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when flowers are half-open, and sear stem ends in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds. The flowers of this variety of poppy aren’t particularly long lasting; expect a vase life of 2 to 3 days. Seedpods can be dried and used indefinitely.

Details

Description

Grown primarily for their decorative seedpods, Breadseed poppies are easy to grow and make a wonderful addition to any garden. The plum-and-red petals on this towering plant look as if they belong to an exotic winged bird. After the flowers fade, they leave behind an abundance of interesting, textural seedpods.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Breadseed poppies resent transplanting and do best when direct-sown. Sow seed directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Slugs love them, so keep an eye out.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when flowers are half-open, and sear stem ends in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds. The flowers of this variety of poppy aren’t particularly long lasting; expect a vase life of 2 to 3 days. Seedpods can be dried and used indefinitely.

Sources

How to Grow

How to Grow

How to Start Flowers from Seed
How to Grow Poppies
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Discovering Dried Flowers
Edible Favorites for Your Cutting Garden
How to Start Flowers from Seed
How to Grow Poppies
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Discovering Dried Flowers
Edible Favorites for Your Cutting Garden

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.