How to Grow Breadseed Poppy From Seeds

Breadseed poppies (Papaver somniferum) produce the small, black seeds used on muffins and other baked goods. A tender perennial, these poppies are usually grown as annuals as they cannot withstand winter cold. New plants are grown from seed each year. Starting the seeds inside gives the poppies a head start on the growing season, but they must be planted in individual biodegradable pots so the roots aren't disturbed when you transplant them out to the permanent garden bed.

Biodegradable pots
Potting soil
Plastic bags

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 3-inch diameter peat pots, or other biodegradable containers, with a fine-textured potting mixture. Set the pots in a tray of water and allow the potting mix to absorb moisture until the surface becomes damp.
- 2
  Sow two to three seeds on the soil surface in each pot. Cover the seeds with a ¼-inch layer of potting mix.
- 3
  Place a plastic bag over the top of each pot to help retain the moisture in the soil. Set the pots in a warm area to germinate, which takes approximately 14 days.
- 4
  Remove the plastic bags once the seedlings emerge. Move the pots to a warm, well-lit area and water them when the soil surface begins to dry.
- 5
  Thin the plants to one poppy plant per pot once they produce their second set of leaves. Cut the weaker plants off at soil level, leaving the strongest plant in each pot to grow on.
- 6
  Transplant the poppies outside once all frost danger is past. Tear the rim of the pot then plant the entire pot in the bed so the top of the pot sets just beneath the soil surface. Space breadseed poppies 8 to 10 inches apart.

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