When to plant Poppies in the UK

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
Sow outdoors April to May, harvest June to September.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow straight into the ground. Poppies dislike transplanting.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    mid-April to early May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly around mid-April to early 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.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    mid-May to mid-June UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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

    late May to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, from late 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

    late June to mid-September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, cut blooms from late June once the first flowers open. Keep picking through mid-September. 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.