When to plant Poppies in London

Papaver spp.

Poppy
Poppy · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors March to April, harvest May to August. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow straight into the ground. Poppies dislike transplanting.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    21 Mar to 11 Apr Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly around 21st March - 11th April 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.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    15 Apr to 20 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, when seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to . Avoid pulling nearby plants.

  3. 03

    Support Plants

    2 May to 4 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, from 2nd May, watch tall forms for flopping in exposed spots and use discreet twiggy supports if needed. Water only in dry spells.

  4. 04

    Cut Flowers

    30 May to 15 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, cut blooms from 30th May once the first flowers open. Keep picking through 15th August. Gather stems in the cool of the day.

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.

Poppy guides by town

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