Papaver somniferum 'Black Beauty'
- Loved by Garden Birds
- Self-sows
An incredibly glamorous poppy with sumptuous, double, black peony flowers, lovely silvery leaves and fantastic architectural seedpods
Opium poppies are a wonderful garden flower which pops up of its own volition, from one year to the next. Beautiful in flower and the seedpods are fantastic for arranging – we use them fresh, dried and sprayed silver at Christmas and of course the seeds are delicious in baking and toasted for salads – an all round unmissable posse of plants.
Please note: This is harmful if eaten.
- Loved by Garden Birds
- Self-sows
Product details
- Type
- Hardy Annual
- Position
- Border (Middle)
- Soil
- Broad Tolerance
- Flowers
- Late May - August, 10 weeks from a spring sowing
- Height
- 90cm (36in)
- Common name
- Opium Poppy
- Moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- Full Sun
- Spread
- 30cm (12in)
- Cultivation
- 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 Time
Late May - August, 10 weeks from a spring sowing