Purple Peony Poppy Seeds For Planting (Papaver paeoniflorum)

Sowing The Seed

Papaver paeoniflorum seeds grow best with a period of stratification, 4 weeks prior to sowing. Purple Peony Poppy seeds are also best sown directly outdoors, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. The root system of these popular flowers is pretty weak until they are matured, so transplanting is out of the question. Remove all unwanted plant life from your sowing area, turning the dirt, or replacing it with fresh soil. Sprinkle the seeds to the surface of the soil, on a calm day, making sure that no high winds can blow the tiny seeds away. Do not cover your Poppy seeds as they require light to germinate properly. Pat down the soil to keep the seeds in place.

Growing Conditions

Peony Poppies will enjoy an area of full sunlight in cool regions and partial shade in warmer regions. They thrive in temperatures of around 70F and don't like the heat of summer. The soil should be well drained and can be average to rich, although it prefers sandy soils most. Areas that consist of hard, compact soil will retain too much moisture, so mixing a light compost is recommended for improved drainage. Water daily, with a mist setting, allowing the seeds to receive an adequate amount of moisture, without drowning the seeds or causing them to wash away.

Germination & Growth

Your Peony Poppy seeds will begin to germinate within roughly 7 to 21 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of 24 to 36 inches tall, and can be spaced about 6 inches apart. Peony Poppy plants are best established by the masses. Sowing a large sum of seeds within a small area will result in a beautiful sea of light purple colored blooms. Allow the seed pods to dry out during the late summer / early fall to establish new plants the following season, from seeds that will fall to the bare ground beneath.