Opium poppies
£2.50
sold out
Papaver somniferum
Beguiling grey-green drumstick seed heads
Not a cut flower as such (the petals drop off as soon as you try) but the most stunning seed heads. They’re big plants so give them some room and they’ll reward you in spades.
Even better than cutting poppy seed heads, is emptying them of their abundance of seeds. As soon as they start to lighten in colour, the vents at the top open, and they start to rattle, it is time. Tip the seed into a bowl, then either pack into envelopes to store and sow, or put a few tablespoonfuls into a lemon drizzle cake.
Hardy annual. Will self sow in mixed colours. For a growing guide click here.