Poppy Seeds - Corn Poppy
(Papaver rhoeas) Self-Seeding Annual. 65 days to maturity.
Corn Poppy is the quintessential wild European poppy. Very likely the poppy that inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McRae's "In Flanders Fields," written in Belgium in 1915 during the First World War.
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Growth Habit: Upright growth to 2 feet height, branching stems with feathery leaves and 3-4” flowers. Self seeding.
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average, moist, well-drained soil
When to Plant: Direct seed in Spring when soil can be worked
How to Plant: Direct sow seeds 1/4" deep. Keep the seedbed moist. Seeds should germinate in 21-28 days. Thin to 6” apart when true leaves appear.
When to Harvest: Harvest fresh flowers in early Summer and seed heads in late Summer.
How to Harvest: For fresh arrangements, harvest when buds are swollen and showing colour. Sear end of stems with a flame. Cut flowers last 2-4 days. Gather the dried seed heads in late summer for decorative dried flower arrangements. Harvest the seeds for culinary uses.
Uses: Poppy is a beautiful, though short-lived, cut flower. Seed heads are also beautiful in dried arrangements. Poppy seeds are edible, high in calcium and have many culinary uses.
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