Papaver somniferum 'Black Swan'

A crazy frizzle-sizzle opium poppy which looks like someone’s cut every petal with crimping shears. I love it!

Genus	Papaver
Group/Species	somniferum
Variety	Black Swan
Type	Hardy Annual
Common Name	Opium Poppy
Border Position	Middle
Soil Type	Acid, Alkaline, Chalky, Fertile, Neutral, Sandy
Scent	Unscented
Site	Full Sun, Part Shade
Moisture	Moist but Well-drained, Well-drained
Height	90cm (36in)
Spacing	40cm (16in)
Sowing, Seeds, Planting	Dislikes root disturbance so best sown direct. Scatter seeds through borders in spring or autumn. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Care Tips	Pick or deadhead flowers regularly to encourage growth and to prolong flowering. Remove seed heads if you do not want it to self-seed. Caution: Harmful if eaten.
Flowering	June - August, 10 weeks from a spring sowing, followed by typical somniferum pepper-pot seedpods.
Vase Life	Sear stem ends in boiling water for 10 seconds, but even so, will only last 24 hours.
Harvesting	Flower production: 2 months

Sarah shares her favourite varieties of poppies that flower throughout July.

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