When to plant Poppies in Edinburgh

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

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow straight into the ground. Poppies dislike transplanting.

01
Sow Seeds
20 Apr to 11 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeks
Sow thinly around 20th April - 11th May on the soil surface. Press the seed in and leave it uncovered. It needs light to germinate. Keep the area evenly moist until seedlings appear. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days if you want a longer run of flowers.
02
Thin Seedlings
15 May to 19 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
After each sowing, when seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to . Avoid pulling nearby plants.
03
Support Plants
1 Jun to 3 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
After each sowing, from 1st June, watch tall forms for flopping in exposed spots and use discreet twiggy supports if needed. Water only in dry spells.
04
Cut Flowers
29 Jun to 14 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
After each sowing, cut blooms from 29th June once the first flowers open. Keep picking through 14th September. Gather stems in the cool of the day.

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.