Seeds: Imperial Pink 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 ‘Imperial Pink’ blooms in early to midsummer with broad, clear pink petals marked by pale lavender-purple basal blotches around a crowned central boss. Stems rise 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) tall above wavy, glaucous blue-green foliage, followed by decorative, urn-shaped seed pods that dry well for arrangements. Because poppies form a sensitive taproot and transplant poorly, sow seed directly outdoors in early spring while soil temperatures are cool, or in late fall. Scatter the seed across prepared ground and press lightly into the surface without covering, as the seed requires light to germinate. Plants are generally deer and rabbit resistant and naturalize easily through self-seeding where seed heads are left to mature.