Hens and Chicks Poppy Seeds 50
Poppies and their crowned seed capsules full to brimming with edible seeds have been with us since antiquity, long considered a symbol of fertility. This ancient form of poppy has a central capsule surrounded by clustered "chicks" that make a unique addition to dried bouquets. A cool season flower, sow early into cold soil that is fertile and well-drained.
Great Cut Flower Deer Resistant Attracts Bees
Lifecycle: Annual
Hardiness: Hardy Annual
Size: 2-3' h x 10" w
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained
Season: Spring to summer
Seed to Bloom: 14 weeks
Color: Light to deep rose
GROWING GUIDE
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Depth: Surface sow; requires light to germinate
Sprout Time: 5-20 days
Starting Indoors: Sow in individual pots 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 50-60°F. Be very gentle when transplanting, as poppies do not like to be disturbed.
Starting Outdoors: Recommended. Direct sow 4 weeks before last spring frost or in late autumn (Autumn only in zones 8+). Mix seed with fine sand to scatter thinly over prepared soil to avoid overcrowding.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
At last spring frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
The symbol of sleep and death, but also of fertility, opium poppies have been with us since antiquity. They self-sow to bloom each year with flamboyant blooms and sea green jagged foliage. An essential cottage garden flower, it requires fertile, sandy soils and an early start. Bees of all kinds will seek them out, often jostling each other in competition for the golden pollen. Site in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, harvest its edible seeds or pick the seed pods on long stems for dried flower bouquets.
Final Spacing: 1'
Water Use: Medium Water Use
Watering Details: These plants prefer evenly moist soil, but can tolerate drought. About an inch of water per week.
Soil pH:
Fertilizer: Mix in 2" inches of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests: Fungal diseases can be prevented by regularly spraying with organic fungicides and spacing at least 1' apart for good air circulation. If slugs and snails damage seedlings, sprinkle the surrounding soil with pelletized iron phosphate, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Plant: Sturdy silvery-green stems with thick, lettuce-like foliage.
Seeds: Each flower will turn into a large globose capsule, surrounded by multiple smaller capsules, hence the variety name 'Hen and Chickens', for it is strikingly similar to the vegetative habits Sempvervivum. Dried pods make unusual fall home décor.
When to Cut: Decorative dried seed pods.