Papaver orientale Checkers

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Flowers in : Late Spring to early Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Cottage Gardens
• Special Features : Flowers in 1st Year
• Height : 36 inches

Description

First year flowering from an early sowing. Poppy Checkers is easy to raise and very rewarding with pure white silky flowers are flanked within by the deepest black cross. Use as a novel cut flower, as well as for the traditional dried seed heads.

Height: 60-90cm (2-3ft).

Sowing Instructions

Germinate at around 15C (59F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Do not cover seed. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 10-21 days. Do not exclude light at any stage, as this helps germination. Later sowings can be overwintered in a coldframe and planted out the following spring.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cool, well lit conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out 30cm (12in) apart.

Caution

All parts except the seeds are poisonous