Poppy Seeds (Papaver rhoeas)

Easy to grow and incredibly rewarding, this hardy annual pops up with cheerful colour just a few months after sowing. Whether you're starting a wildflower patch or brightening up a  sunny border, the poppy adds charm and wildlife value in equal measure.

Key Features:

• Fast-growing beauty - Sow in spring and enjoy blooms from early summer
• Wildlife-friendly - Loved by pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Self-seeds naturally - Once established, it often reappears year after year
• Low-maintenance - Thrives in poor soils with little intervention

The Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), also known as Corn Poppy, is a striking annual wildflower, known for its paper-like, vivid red petals and graceful, nodding stems. Typically growing up to a metre tall, it brings life and movement to any planting scheme. While traditionally found in cornfields and disturbed ground, it’s just as at home in a garden setting, especially when given full sun and space to shine.

It prefers bare or lightly cultivated soil and will readily germinate when conditions are right, usually in spring after sowing. Once flowering, it continues for several weeks through the summer, attracting pollinators with its open, accessible blooms. As the flowers fade, they leave behind attractive seedpods that scatter seed naturally if left undisturbed, allowing new plants to appear the following year.

Sow directly onto well-prepared soil in spring, from March to May. Choose an open, sunny spot and ensure the ground is free from competing weeds or dense vegetation. The seeds are tiny, so scatter them thinly over the surface and press them gently in, no need to cover them deeply.

Poppies don’t need rich soil; in fact, they prefer it on the poor side. Avoid feeding or overwatering, and let them do their thing. Once established, they require very little care. After flowering, allow the seedpods to mature and dry on the plant.

These will naturally release seeds into the soil, ensuring a fresh flush of blooms the following year with minimal effort.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

These poppies are perfect for wildflower meadows, informal cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes. Their nectar-rich flowers attract a host of pollinators, especially bees, while their soft, naturalistic appearance blends beautifully with other native wildflowers. A lovely choice for adding colour and biodiversity to any outdoor space.

We offer a flat shipping rate of £5.99.

Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

We aim to ensure customer satisfaction with all products supplied. If you experience any issues with your order, please contact us at info@kentseeds.co.uk within 5 working days of the dispatch date, quoting your order number and a detailed description of the issue.

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Q1: Do Poppies come back each year?
A: Although they’re annuals, if you leave the seedheads in place, they’ll often self-seed and reappear the following spring.

Q2: When is the best time to sow them?
A: For a summer display, sow between March and May directly onto prepared soil.

Q3: Will they grow in heavy or poor soil?
A: Yes, they’re surprisingly adaptable and thrive even in poor or compacted ground, as long as it gets enough sunlight.

Q4: Can I grow them in a container?
A: You can, though they prefer the freedom of open ground. If using a pot, make sure it’s deep enough and placed in full sun.