Poppies in Birmingham
Papaver spp.
Hardy annual poppies are best sown direct where they are to flower, as they dislike root disturbance. In UK gardens, sow in a prepared, weed-free patch in autumn for earlier blooms, or in spring for a longer flowering season.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Poppy
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds
17 Mar – 5 Mayevery 3 weeksSow thinly around 17th March - 5th May on the soil surface, then press the seed in and leave it uncovered because it needs light to germinate. Keep the area evenly moist until seedlings appear, and sow a fresh batch every 21 days if you want a longer run of flowers.
Thin Seedlings
24 Apr – 8 MayWhen seedlings are large enough to handle from 24th April, thin them carefully so the strongest plants are left about apart. Avoid pulling nearby plants, as poppies have fine roots and resent disturbance.
Support Plants
22 May – 3 JulFrom 22nd May, watch tall forms for flopping in exposed spots and use discreet twiggy supports if needed. Water only in dry spells, because rich, wet soil tends to produce soft growth and fewer flowers.
Cut Flowers
19 Jun – 7 OctCut blooms regularly from 19th June once the first flowers open, and keep picking through to 7th October to encourage more buds. Gather stems in the cool of the day and strip off any lower foliage before arranging.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Poppy.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Poppy to consider
Poppy 'Shirley Double Mix'
A mixed strain of soft single and double flowers in pastel shades, good for informal borders and cutting.
Poppy 'Angel's Choir'
Produces a mix of large blooms in muted pinks, whites and mauves, with a long flowering period when deadheaded.
Poppy 'Bread Seed'
An ornamental and edible type grown for its seed heads as well as flowers, useful in a sunny, free-draining spot.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Poppy timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.