When to plant Poppies in Durham

Papaver spp.

Hardy annual poppies are best sown direct where they are to flower. They dislike root disturbance. Sow in a prepared, weed-free patch.

60 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Sow outdoors August to September, harvest April to July. Frost risk October to May.
Activity	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Sow outdoors	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Harvest	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow once in weed-free soil for flowers next spring. Protect young seedlings if hard frost is forecast.

01
Sow Seeds
28 Aug to 25 Sept
Sow thinly during 28th August - 25th September on weed-free soil where the plants are to flower. Press the seed onto the surface and leave it uncovered. It needs light to germinate. Keep the seedbed lightly moist until seedlings appear. This is one sowing, not a run of batches.
02
Thin Seedlings
22 Sept to 3 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
Thin during 22nd September - 3rd November, leaving the strongest plants about apart. Snip or pinch out surplus seedlings rather than pulling.
03
Protect Young Plants
11 Sept to 4 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
From 11th September to 4th December, keep the seedbed weed-free. Cover with fleece if hard frost is forecast. Take it off in mild weather.
04
Cut Flowers
15 Apr to 8 Jul 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
Flowers open next spring. Cut from 15th April 2027 to 8th July 2027 as the buds begin to open. Pick in the cool of the day. Leave some seed heads if you want plants to self-sow.

Popular varieties of Poppy to consider

A mixed strain of soft single and double flowers in pastel shades, good for informal borders and cutting.

Produces a mix of large blooms in muted pinks, whites and mauves, with a long flowering period when deadheaded.

An ornamental and edible type grown for its seed heads as well as flowers, useful in a sunny, free-draining spot.

Poppy guides by town

See how Poppy timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.