American Legion Red Poppy Seeds

Corn poppies (Papaver rhoeas) thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. They prefer light, sandy or loamy soils that aren’t too rich in nutrients, as overly fertile soil can lead to more foliage and fewer blooms. These wildflowers do best in full sun and benefit from soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Avoid heavy clay soils unless amended with compost or sand to improve drainage. Once established, corn poppies are fairly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Direct sowing is best—plant seeds outdoors as soon as the soil is workable in early spring. Sow them about 1/4 inch deep, since darkness is needed for germination. Once the first true leaves emerge, thin the seedlings to allow proper spacing. Avoid transplanting, as corn poppies have fragile taproots and do not tolerate root disturbance well.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

Diseases & Other Problems

CONSIDERATIONS:

Corn poppies are self-fertile with perfect flowers that are capable of self-pollination. Physical (distance) or mechanical isolation (caging) is recommended when growing more than one variety of this species with the intention of saving pure seed.

HARVESTING SEED:

To harvest corn poppy seeds, wait until the flower petals have fallen and the seed pods turn brown and dry. Gently clip the pods from the stems and place them in a paper bag. Allow them to dry completely in a cool, dry place. Once dry, shake or break open the pods to release the tiny black seeds. Store the seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight container in a cool, dark spot until you're ready to plant them.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Poppy seeds can remain viable for 2 to 3 years if stored properly. To maximize their longevity, keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place—preferably in an airtight container. Storing them in the refrigerator or freezer can extend their viability even longer, sometimes up to 5 years. Just make sure they're completely dry before sealing them up to prevent mold.