Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks
- Tall-growing annual with spectacular blooms
- Open pollinated and easy to grow with purple Summer blooms
- Poppy seeds require a cool period of 2-4 weeks to break dormancy, and some gardeners choose to cold stratify their seeds.
Fast Facts
About Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks
Papaver somniferum
Buy Poppy Seeds by the Packet or in Bulk
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.
Fast Facts
About Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks
Papaver somniferum
Buy Poppy Seeds by the Packet or in Bulk
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.
How to Plant Hens and Chicks Poppy Seeds
When to Plant Poppy Seeds
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.
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.
Where to Plant Poppy Seeds
Poppies only need soil that is ordinary and moist, but well drained. They also do well in full sun.
How to Plant Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds require a cool period to break dormancy, and some gardeners choose to cold stratify their seeds.
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.
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.
If planting in rows, then plant the seeds 6” to 8” apart.
How to Care for Poppies
These varieties of poppy seeds generally germinate in about 20 days. You can thin the seedlings to 6” to 8” apart after they emerge.
Poppies should be watered regularly, but they can tolerate dry conditions. It is not necessary to fertilize poppies.
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 deadheading 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.
Seed Coverage for Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks
| Amount |
Recommended Coverage |
| Packet |
Up to 80 Sq. Ft |
| 1 Ounce |
Up to 625 Sq. Ft |
Companion Plants for Poppy Seeds - Hens & Chicks
Aesthetic or Culinary
From Our Customers
5.00/5 Based on 4 Reviews
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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
- PreciousPawsPoppies.org, Mar 2017
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
- PreciousPawsPoppies.org, Mar 2017
good
good
- Sabrina Murray, Aug 2015
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!
- William Smith, Jul 2015