Poppy seeds

Poppies or annual Papaver seeds are sown from March to May directly in place, and biennials are sown in May and June. All varieties like a light, deep, fertile, and well-drained soil with a very sunny position. Water regularly until flowering. Remove faded flowers to prevent rapid spread of the annuals. The corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is 60cm (24in) tall, bright red, and annual; The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) of which only ornamental varieties with double or fringed flowers are allowed; The Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is 30cm (12in) tall, with 8cm (3in) flowers in bright yellow, white, orange, or pink, and is a perennial but grown as a biennial. The California poppy is a small annual poppy related to the Papavers. They are graceful and delicate plants perfect for natural gardens (flowerbeds, rockeries, bouquets). Depending on the species (about 70), the green leaves are more or less divided and hairy, and their 4-petalled flowers are cup-shaped. Tip: For your bouquets, cut the Poppies when they are in bud.