Pompom Poppy Seeds — Papaver laciniatum Dark Red

A Showstopping Dark Red Fringed Poppy — Velvety Blooms for the Cottage Garden

Papaver laciniatum 'Dark Red' — commonly known as the Pompom or Fringed Poppy — is a breathtaking cool-season annual prized for its deeply fringed, ruffled petals in a rich, velvety dark red. Unlike the simple single poppy, the laciniatum form produces extravagant, fully fringed blooms with intricately cut petal edges that give each flower an almost carnation-like opulence. Tall, elegant stems carry these spectacular blooms above the foliage, making them a standout in cottage garden borders, wildflower meadows, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow from seed and quick to establish, this poppy self-sows readily and will return year after year once established. A magnet for bees and other pollinators, it is as wildlife-friendly as it is beautiful.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🌺 Spectacular fringed dark red blooms — deeply ruffled, intricately cut petals in a rich velvety dark red create a dramatic, opulent display unlike any ordinary poppy
• 🌿 Tall and elegant — long slender stems make it perfect for the back of borders and as a cut flower; blooms nod gracefully in the breeze
• ☀️ Cool-season performer — thrives in NZ's autumn and spring conditions; sow in autumn for early spring blooms or in early spring for a summer display
• 🌱 Easy to grow and self-sowing — direct sow where it is to flower; once established it will self-seed and naturalise beautifully in the garden
• 🐝 Loved by bees and pollinators — an excellent nectar source that supports beneficial insects throughout the season
• ✂️ Beautiful as a cut flower — harvest stems when buds are just beginning to open for a striking addition to cottage-style arrangements

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow Papaver laciniatum Dark Red direct where it is to flower — poppies do not like to be transplanted. Scatter seeds thinly on the surface of well-prepared, free-draining soil and press in lightly; do not cover deeply as seeds need light to germinate. Sow in autumn (March–May) for spring blooms, or in early spring (August–September) once the worst frosts have passed. Thin seedlings to 20–30cm apart. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded position with well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering as plants are reasonably drought tolerant once growing strongly. Allow some plants to set seed at the end of the season for a self-sowing colony that returns each year. Perfect for cottage borders, wildflower areas, and cutting gardens throughout NZ.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 30 seeds of Pompom Poppy Dark Red (Papaver laciniatum), with growing instructions included.