Poppy American Legion Seeds

A classic hardy annual with dramatic, bright red blooms and a crisp white cross at the centre on slender stems.

 

Easy to grow in full sun, it’s superb sown in drifts for summer colour, filling gaps in borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower areas. Height to about 60 cm; flowers July to September with regular deadheading.

 

Seed qty: Approx 2000

 

Sow: March to May or August to October

Germination: 14–21 days in warm, steady conditions

Soil and position: Loam, chalk, or sand; acidic, alkaline, or neutral. Full sun

Height: Approx 60 cm

Flowering: July to September

 

Sowing instructions

 

Direct sow 5 mm deep into finely raked, moist soil where plants are to flower.

Thin and spacing: Gradually thin to 15 cm apart for sturdy plants and good airflow.

Autumn sowing: Sow August to October for earlier flowering the following year; cloche protection of seedlings over winter can help establishment.

 

Grow and maintenance

 

Water to establish, then sparingly; avoid over-rich soils which can reduce flowering. Deadhead to prolong the display.

Best in full sun; excellent as border fillers and in meadow-style plantings. Cut down after flowering or allow some seedheads to mature for self-sown drifts.

 

Uses and benefits

 

Striking in beds, borders, low-maintenance and cottage lovely sown in drifts for natural effect.

Flowers attract pollinators; allow some seed to set for beneficial self-seeding and future displays.

 

Mr Fothergill’s range seeds