The Great Scarlet Poppy is a majestic garden presence, The King of the Poppies and a star in the vase as well as the garden. Find a place at the back of the sunny border for this long-lived, easy-care perennial and begin crowning your floral display every year with unforgettable color!
This is a vigorous, upright, self-supporting plant, growing quickly and setting masses of large, rather erect leaves on thick, strong stems. The flowers appear at the very top of the stem, opening from large buds. The bright red petals are papery and slightly crinkled, surrounding a center that shades from deepest violet to charcoal-black. So beautiful!
And best of all, these flowers are simply enormous. Seven inches is a conservative estimate; the blooms on your plants will probably be able to beat it! Long-lasting and so dramatic, the Great Scarlet Poppy is simply breathtaking.
This Poppy does best in areas where summers are not humid and the soil is well-drained. But even if you do not live in a region where this Poppy thrives, grow it as an annual! One season of blooms is more than worth it -- and the Great Scarlet Poppy will freely scatter seed if you leave the last blooms on the plant.
The seeds are best sown direct, either in spring or fall (for spring blooms). If you must start them indoors, choose a deep pot and transplant the seedlings as soon as you can in spring. Sharp, well-drained, sandy soil in full sun is ideal. Packet is 500 seeds.
