'National Mix' Poppy Seeds

The varieties in 'National Mix' Poppy are hardy annuals offering summer interest, with ornamental seed pods extending the season. The unique, long-lived plants set delicate bright red and white flowers with crepe papery, tissue-like petals and a yellow boss of stamens. Borne singly on long, bristly stems, the showy, saucer-shaped flowers attract birds and bees to the garden and make lovely cut flowers if stems are singed before placing it in water.

The varieties in 'National Mix' Poppy are Papaver rhoeas cultivars, a beloved old-fashioned variety also known as the common poppy, corn poppy, field poppy, or Flanders poppy. The plants have a clumping, spreading habit of pinnately lobed, cut or toothed, hairy leaves. 'National Mix' poppies are shown to best effect when grouped or massed in borders or beds or sown in drifts in non-native naturalized areas.

Easily grown from seed and extremely low maintenance, 'National Mix' poppies prefer full sun and organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil. They are intolerant of drought and overly wet, poorly drained soils. Growing best in cool summer climates, they do not perform well in high heat and humidity and may require some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Deadheading spent flowers keeps the poppies blooming. The flowers freely self-seed in suitable conditions, naturalizing and returning from year to year, performing more like a perennial than an annual. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Direct sow poppy seeds in spring or start seeds indoors and transplant after the threat of frost has passed. In warm climates, seeds can be sown in late fall for an early spring bloom.