When to plant Poppies in Manchester

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 Manchester · last frost ≈ 17 Apr

Sow outdoors September to October, harvest May to July. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

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.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    20 Sept to 18 Oct

    Sow thinly during 20th September - 18th October 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.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    15 Oct to 26 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Thin during 15th October - 26th November, leaving the strongest plants about apart. Snip or pinch out surplus seedlings rather than pulling.

  3. 03

    Protect Young Plants

    4 Oct to 27 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 4th October to 27th December, keep the seedbed weed-free. Cover with fleece if hard frost is forecast. Take it off in mild weather.

  4. 04

    Cut Flowers

    8 May to 31 Jul 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Flowers open next spring. Cut from 8th May 2027 to 31st 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.

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.