Red Corn Poppy Flower Seeds Papaver rhoeas
The Red Corn Poppy is a delicate annual plant that originates from Europe, often seen in cultivated fields, meadows, and along roadsides. Its flowers feature petals that resemble crepe paper and are a vibrant red. Corn Poppies are frequently included in flower mixes. They look stunning when planted in large groups – it's best to sow the seeds directly in the garden since these plants don't take well to being moved. They're great for wildflower and pollinator seed mixes, as well as for cottage gardens. Honey bees and wild bees love to gather pollen from these flowers.
This annual is often used to remember soldiers who were lost in battle. Possibly one of the world's most popular wildflowers, this vivid red beauty does evoke remembrance. Papaver rhoeas seeds are very easy to grow and self-sows readily.
Common Names: Common poppy, Common Red poppy, Corn poppy, Flanders poppy, Shirley poppy
Latin Name: Papaver rhoeas
Species Origin: Introduced US Wildflower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual/Tender Perennial (Will reseed itself)
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 200,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Plant Height: 12"-30"
Plant Spacing: 12"-15"
Color: Red
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Sowing: Plant red poppy seeds in late fall or as soon as the soil is workable in spring. Sow them just beneath the surface and lightly compact the soil. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically happens in 10-20 days. Avoid moving seedlings, as they dislike having their roots disturbed.
Growing: Water the seedlings occasionally until they are established. Once mature, these plants can handle drought pretty well, but they do enjoy some watering during dry spells. Don't try to move or divide the plants, as they don't transplant easily. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms. If you don't need seeds, trim the plant back after it has finished blooming. This plant often self-sows and is very appealing to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, select stems with flowers that have just opened. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water and place them in water right away. To ensure longer-lasting blooms, sear the freshly cut ends in boiling water or with a flame.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will develop that eventually open at the top to show the ripe seeds. Collect the seeds as soon as the pods open; keep a close eye on them to avoid losing any, as the wind can easily blow them away. Store the seeds in a cool, dry location.
