Papaver oreintale. Pizzicato poppy seeds produce a superb semi-dwarf mix of red, scarlet, orange, salmon, mauve, rose, pink, and white. The large, cup-shaped flowers are 15-20cm (6-8") in diameter. Expect up to twenty flowers per plant, followed by attractive seed pods from which seeds can easily be harvested. Pizzicato oriental poppy seeds are best direct sown in fall or mid-winter, and grow to a height of 50cm (19"). The flowers appear on stiff stems that stand up well in windy areas. This Oriental poppy mix blooms in June and July, after spring bulbs have faded, but before the arrival of summer flowers. After flowering, seed heads dry and the foliage fades away entirely, returning with autumn rains. This poppy is a good choice for xeriscaping, and it's deer resistant to boot.
Perennial
West Coast Seeds Pizzicato Poppie Seeds, Per Package
Starting
Sow on the surface of the soil, or barely cover seeds. Thin to a minimum of 15cm (6″) apart.
Timing
Start perennial poppies outdoors in early spring, when some chance of frost is still a possibility. Start annual varieties outdoors at the same time in Zones 3-7. In Zones 8-10, the best bet is to direct sow in the fall.
Poppies are famously difficult to transplant, so starting them indoors is not recommended. If absolutely necessary, use peat or coir pots, and maintain a soil temperature of 12°C (55°F). Seeds will sprout in 20-30 days.
