Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks Papaver somniferum
- Annual; Grows up to 32 Inches
- Named for it's unique seed pod formation
- Poppy seeds need to be cold stratified to germinate. Learn how to cold stratify your seed here.
Shipping Schedule
Seeds are shipped year-round, while perennials & bulbs are shipped seasonally. Pre-ordered bulbs ship at the proper planting time for your zone. Spring pre-orders are placed any time before March 1. Fall pre-orders are placed any time before September 1. These items will not ship immediately, but will be delivered at the ideal time for planting. Orders containing both seeds and bulbs may be split into multiple shipments. Click here for more shipping information.
| Pre-Ordered Spring Bulbs & Perennials | Shipping Begins |
|---|---|
| Zones 9 - 12 | Late February to Early March |
| Zone 8 | Early to Mid March |
| Zone 7 | Mid to Late March |
| Zone 6 | Early April |
| Zone 5 | Late April |
| Zones 2 - 4 | Late April to Early May |
| In-season orders ship immediately at the time of purchase to all zones until inventory is depleted. | |
| Saffron Crocus & Bearded Iris | Shipping Begins |
| All Zones | Late August |
| Pre-Ordered Fall Bulbs | Shipping Begins |
| Zones 2 - 4 | Mid September |
| Zone 5 | Mid to Late September |
| Zone 6 | Late September |
| Zone 7 | Late September to Early October |
| Zones 8 - 12 | Early to Mid October |
| In-season orders ship immediately at the time of purchase to all zones until inventory is depleted. | |
| Pre-Ordered Fall Perennials* | Shipping Begins |
| All Zones | Mid October |
| *Amaryllis Bulbs, Hosta Roots, Lily Bulbs, Papaver Roots, Paperwhite Bulbs, Peony Roots & Siberian Iris Roots | |
Product Description
Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks
Characterized by its unique pod, this variety of Poppy Flower Seed will not disappoint in your garden! The Hens and Chicks Poppy somniferum features a single large seed head with clustered smaller heads around its base, as you may see a mother hen with her chicks. The somniferum poppy is prized for the amount of seed produced by individual pods, suitable for baking and making oils. However, this Poppy's culinary uses are overshadowed by the spectacular blooms it produces! The bloom itself flaunts large, paper thin lilac petals with dark purple center spots that will glow with color in sunlight.
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Fast Facts
Name: Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks Botanical Name: Papaver somniferum Life Cycle: Annual Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Sun Planting Season: Spring Plant Type: Tall green stalks with light purple and pink blossoms of paper thin petals. Features: Open Pollinated, Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Container Garden, Easy to Grow & Maintain Color: Pink, Purple Blooms: Summer Plant Height: Up to 32 inches Plant Spacing: 6-8 inches Planting Depth: 1/16 inch Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow Cold Stratification: Yes; direct sowing is recommended in late fall or early spring for zones 2-8 Seeds per Packet: 300 mg Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Ships: Year Round -
Planting Instructions
Poppy seeds need to be cold stratified to germinate. Learn how to cold stratify your seed here.
Papaver Rhoeas act as perennials in moderate climates, but they perform as annuals where freezing temperatures and snow occur in winter. These poppies germinate most successfully in cool to moderate temperatures and they are, in fact, frost tolerant. Poppies flower best under cool spring weather conditions. Bloom decreases on poppies as temperatures increase in summer months.
In growing zones 3 – 7, the Red Corn Poppy, Shirley Poppy – Mixed Colors and the Shirley Poppy – Mixed Double seeds can be planted in late autumn or early spring when a light frost is still possible.
In zones 8 – 10, these poppy seeds should be sown in late autumn or winter.
Poppies only need soil that is ordinary and moist, but well drained. The seeds should not be planted deeply; they just need to be compressed into the soil, as they need light to germinate. The best method for planting is to mix one part seed with 5 parts sand and scatter over the prepared growing area.
These varieties of poppy seeds generally germinate in about 20 days. You can thin the seedlings to 6” to 8” apart after they emerge.
If planting in rows, then plant the seeds 6” to 8” apart.
Poppies do best if planted directly outdoors in their intended location rather than transplanting them. However, if necessary, they can be started in biodegradable peat pots indoors before the last spring frost. The entire peat pot can then be planted outdoors once the poppy seedlings are established.
Poppies should be watered regularly, but they can tolerate dry conditions. It is not necessary to fertilize poppies.
Red Corn Poppy and Shirley Poppy varieties can reach 2’ to 4’ in height at maturity with flowers up to 2” across.
It generally takes about 60 to 90 days for poppies to bloom after the seed is planted. This timing depends very much on your growing zone and when you plant, along with Mother Nature’s cooperation. The bloom season for poppies is spring to summer. Poppy plants will bloom for a few weeks, but the length of bloom time can be extended by regular watering and application of mulch for moisture retention, as well as regular dead-heading of spent flowers. It is also recommended that the seed be sown in successive plantings to extend the bloom season of the poppies.
Visit our Poppy planting guide page to learn more and watch planting videos.
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Seed Coverage
Amount Recommended Coverage Packet Up to 80 Sq. Ft Ounce Package Up to 625 Sq. Ft 1/4 Pound Package Up to 2,500 Sq. Ft 1 Pound Sack Up to10,000 Sq. Ft 5 Pound Sack Up to 1.3 Acres
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Product Reviews
Review
Great Seeds!
I have purchased many of Edens seeds over the years and every packed or pound I have purchased was true to descriptions and all seeds were viable. If planted as directed your seeds from this company with thrive!
Pamela ZIvney
Review
Great Seeds!
I have purchased many of Edens seeds over the years and every packed or pound I have purchased was true to descriptions and all seeds were viable. If planted as directed your seeds from this company with thrive!
Pamela ZIvney
Review
good
good
Review
Poppy seeds
I grew up in a home surrounded by flowers. My Mother loved Lilac's and Hens & Chicks Poppies the most. My Father planted Rose's. I lost both of them almost twenty years ago and now that I am retired I am planting their favorites. None of the Poppies came up as I planted them in 90 to a 100 degree weather. Neither did the Delphinium's or Hollyhocks or Daisies. The Zinnia's and Sunflowers did fine. I was really disappointed so I bought a T5 Florescent light and started all of them indoors. Almost every Poppy seed germinated along with all the rest. I replanted some of them outside and they are doing good. It's back up to 100 degrees again so I won't move the rest outside when it's cooler. Next year I will be able to start them in the spring like you are supposed to. I had serious health problems that I have overcome or I would of planted on time this year. I would highly recommend Eden Brothers seeds!
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Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks Papaver somniferum
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