Poppy Seeds - After Midnight
(Papaver somniferum) Self-Seeding Annual.
After-Midnight Poppies are bold, dramatic and simply beautiful! They have four large over-lapping petals that are a rich, deep-burgundy colour; almost the texture of velvet. Standing 2.5 feet tall, these After-Midnight Poppies are sure to impress!
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Growth Habit: Upright growth with branching stems with ruffled 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 on the soil surface and lightly tamp them lightly covering with soil. Keep the seedbed moist. Seeds should germinate in 21-28 days. Thin to 6-12” 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.
