How To Grow Poppies From Seed

Poppies are the perfect flowers to add vivid pops of color to the landscape. Poppy flowers are big, brilliant, and dramatic. There are tons of varieties to choose from with stunning single-color options and impressive bi-color and tri-color choices. Growing poppies from seed is easy, making them a no-brainer addition to the garden.

Top Poppy Varieties

Shirley Mix - White, pink, and scarlet crinkly flowers, grows 36" tall. 

Red American Legion - Scarlet red flowers grow 12-36" tall. 

Ivory Castle - White flowers with butter yellow centers that grow 12-18" tall. 

Carmine - Rosey pink flowers with a cream-colored center, grows up to 24" high.

Mikado - Scarlet-orange blooms with yellow center, growing up to 16" tall. 

All About Poppies

1. Poppies are available as annuals, biennials, and perennials. However, they self-seed a little bit so they are likely to reappear in the garden each year regardless of type.
2. These flowers are best planted in late fall or winter because they need cold stratification to germinate. Alternatively, place seeds in the freezer for a couple months before planting in spring.
3. Plant in full sun or partial shade, but more sun is always better.
4. Poppies are beloved by tons of pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and moths.
5. Varieties range in size from 12" – 3' tall.

How To Grow Poppies From Seed

1. Poppies are best direct sown. They grow quickly and don't need to be started indoors first.
2. Plant outdoors in late fall or winter, or in spring at the beginning of spring after being cold stratified in the freezer.
3. Choose a location in full sun
4. Water the planting area first, so the seeds don't get disturbed after planting.
5. Rake the soil so it is loose
6. Scatter Poppy seeds over the soil
7. Very lightly press the seeds into the soil – this is best done by walking over them. Poppy seeds should never be buried – they need sunlight to germinate.
8. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings sprout and are established
9. Water, as needed through the growing season – usually a couple times a week if Mother Nature is not providing enough rain.