Red Breadseed Poppy Seeds — Papaver somniferum

Bold Red Blooms with a Rich History

The Red Breadseed Poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a classic cottage garden annual prized for its large, silky crimson blooms and ornamental seed pods. Whether you're growing it for its striking colour, its architectural dried pods, or its place in the edible garden tradition, this poppy delivers season after season of beauty.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🌺 Large, vivid red blooms — single or semi-double flowers up to 10 cm across
• 📏 Grows 60–120 cm tall — a bold statement in any border or cutting garden
• 🌿 Ornamental seed pods — stunning when dried for floral arrangements
• 🐝 Attracts bees and pollinators — a valuable addition to any NZ garden
• 🌱 Easy to grow — direct sow in autumn or early spring; self-seeds freely

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow directly into well-drained soil in a sunny position. Autumn sowing gives the best results in most NZ regions, allowing seeds to stratify naturally over winter. Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart. Once established, breadseed poppies are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance — they'll reward you with weeks of colour and a bounty of decorative pods.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 30 seeds of Papaver somniferum (Red), with growing instructions included.