Papaver Ruprifragum Seeds 'Orange Feathers'

• Perennial poppy
• Striking orange double flowers
• Flowers all through summer
• Easy to grow

Spanish poppy ‘Orange Feathers’ (Papaver ruprifragum) flowers for months through summer, producing stunning orange double flowers on long stems. This perennial poppy is easy to grow and tolerates poor, dry soils. It also self-seeds freely, so remove the dried seed heads if you don’t want it to spread too far.

Sow outdoors

Sow in trays of pre-watered seed compost and cover lightly with vermiculite. Keep in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, do not allow to dry out and allow 2-4 weeks for germination. Alternatively, sow directly into the final planting position in April to early June, in well-prepared soil, 5mm (1/4in) deep and water as required. Thin out as needed once large enough to handle.

Grow on

When large enough to handle. transplant into 8cm (3in) pots. Slowly acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after frosts.

Plant out

Choose a sunny spot in any well-drained soil. Plant approximately 30cm (12in) apart. Alternatively, plant in a large container using good quality compost, ensuring free drainage.

Tips

Will self-seed readily. Deadhead if you do not want this, and also to prolong flowering.