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 September to October, harvest April to July.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

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

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    early September to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow thinly during early September to early 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

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

    Thin during late September to early November, leaving the strongest plants about apart. Snip or pinch out surplus seedlings rather than pulling.

  3. 03

    Protect Young Plants

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

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

  4. 04

    Cut Flowers

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

    Flowers open next spring. Cut from late April to mid-July 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.