Grow Corn Poppy or Red Poppy from fresh Papaver rhoeas wildflower seeds. Papaver rhoeas, or "Red Poppy" will produce eye popping waves of paper like flowers in a bright, red color. Poppy flowers are roughly 2 inches in diameter and are accented with a deep, dark center. Their red blooms open up over top of stems that grow 12 to 30 inches tall. The stems of Papaver plants are fitted with small little hairs growing horizontally off of the upright stem formation.

Grown as an annual flowering plant, the Red Poppy, Papaver rhoeas will establish itself from seed to flower in one cycle. It grows quickly, blooms profusely through the summer months when temperatures are just right, and later dies with the first frost. If temperatures are warm enough through the autumn months, you may notice that your Papaver plants will flower a second time around.

Papaver rhoeas is popularly seen all across America, in fields, along highways and in backyards as well. They are best grown by the masses, taking an ordinary chunk of land and turning it into a sea of beauty. They can also be grown along driveways, along the side of the house and through various areas in your yard. Simply sprinkle the seed, water and watch them flourish.

Sowing The Seed

Papaver rhoeas seeds grow best with a period of stratification, 4 weeks prior to sowing. Papaver rhoeas flower seeds are also best sown directly outdoors, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. The root system of these popular flowers is pretty weak until they are matured, so transplanting is out of the question. Remove all unwanted plant life from your sowing area, turning the dirt, or replacing it with fresh soil. Sprinkle the seeds to the surface of the soil, on a calm day, making sure that no high winds can blow the tiny seeds away. Do not cover your Papaver rhoeas flower seeds as they require light to germinate properly. Pat down the soil to keep the seeds in place.

Growing Conditions

Papaver rhoeas flowers will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day and thrive in temperatures of around 70F. The soil should be well drained and can be average to rich, although it prefers sandy soils most. Areas that consist of hard, compact soil will retain too much moisture, so mixing a light compost is recommended for improved drainage. Water daily, with a mist setting, allowing the seeds to receive an adequate amount of moisture, without drowning the seeds or causing them to wash away.

Germination & Growth

Your Red Poppy / Papaver rhoeas seeds will begin to germinate within roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of 12 to 30 inches tall, and can be spaced about 6 inches apart. Red Poppy / Papaver rhoeas are best established by the masses. Sowing a large sum of seeds within a small area will result in a beautiful sea of red blooms.