Pepperbox Poppy

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom, fall harvest
Frost hardy

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold winter climates, seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil thaws. Blossoms and pods are largest when plants grow in cool weather; seedlings are very cold hardy.

In a well-worked, finely textured seed bed in full sun, sprinkle seeds thinly (mixing dry sand with the seeds will help space them). Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8 inch deep and keep seed-bed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. If seedlings come up too thickly, thin poppies early, but delay final thinning to 6 to 8 inches apart until weather has settled in spring.

HARVEST & USE

Wait until seedpods are dried and brown on plants and the tiny seeds inside pods are hard and black. Cut seedpods with long stems and bunch upside down in an open paper bag. Shake seeds out into bag and remove any debris. Store clean seed in a closed jar or freeze for long storage.

Toasted Poppy seeds’ nutty flavor enhances both sweet and savory breads, cakes and cookies and is delicious in salad dressing.