ARTIST’S GLORY POPPY SEEDS

Papaver croceum

Replacing the magnificent Kelmscott Giants, this selection also features broad papery flowers, many of them in soft custardy shades of coral, butter, and salmon, borne on long 18" stems that are suitable for cutting. Attractive feathery blue-green basal foliage. Similar to the diminutive Iceland Poppies, but bigger in every respect. An open-pollinated alternative to the expensive hybrid “bubbles" series beloved by professional flower farmers. Hardy perennial, but short-lived and more often grown as an annual or biennial, especially in hot summer climates. Will sometimes self-sow, but better to select carefully in favor of the most interesting colors on the longest stems..

Seeds should be sown directly into the garden in very early spring. Broadcast tiny seeds with a light hand over loose soil in full sun to part shade. Water if no rain is expected, but take care to avoid washing out the seeds. Typically begins to germinate in two weeks or so, but they may take much longer in very cold weather. Once seedlings have true leaves, thin to around 8" apart. Blooms the first year in late summer through autumn and sometimes well into winter. Seeds that are sown late in the spring will sometimes not bloom until the second spring. In cool maritime climates with mild winters seeds may be sown in autumn for flowers the following spring and summer.

These poppies make excellent cut flowers, but require special treatment to hold in the vase. Cut stems when buds have just cracked. Open flowers will not hold. Promptly seal cut ends of stem with a flame. Place cut flowers in a bucket of water for several hours, preferably overnight. In the morning they will be ready to arrange. Cut stems may also be sunk (up to 2") into boiling water to seal, although that's considerably less fun, and less feasible in the garden. Properly cut and prepared, these flowers will hold in a vase for up to a week.

Packet contains at least 1000 tiny seeds.