Seeds: Danish Flag poppy

Seed count: Each packet is a level 1/8 tsp of seed, measured by volume since poppy seeds are too tiny to hand-count. That’s 150+ seeds per packet, guaranteed — usually more.

Papaver somniferum ‘Danish Flag’ blooms in early to midsummer with brilliant scarlet petals that are deeply fringed along the edges, marked at the center by four bold white patches that form a distinct cross. Growing 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) tall on sturdy upright stems, the showy blossoms are set against lettuce-like, blue-gray foliage and are followed by decorative, urn-shaped seed pods prized for dried arrangements. Because poppies establish a sensitive taproot and resent root disturbance, sow seed directly outdoors in early spring while soil temperatures remain cool, or in late fall. Scatter the fine seed across prepared ground and press lightly into the surface without covering, as light is required for germination. The plants are generally deer and rabbit resistant and naturalize freely by self-seeding where seed heads are left to mature.