Poppy, Watermelon Pink
An ancient crop for seeds, oil, and medicine, Papaver somniferum is probably the only thing I've grown that has literally NEVER been eaten by deer. And of all the somniferums I've grown--at least a dozen--this is the one I come back to. It's a warmer, darker pink than I've ever seen. It stands out across the garden. It's single row of petals are larger than many poppies', giving it perfect proportions and a graceful stance. Leaves are gorgeous--pale gray-green and scalloped rather than jagged. Seed pods are large and oval, attaining and maximum size in about 10 days from petal fall. Blue-gray seeds (smaller than from the varieties bred especially for seed, like Hungarian Blue, or Elka) for breads pastries, and savory dishes. I got this from a co-worker years ago . It started as the variety "Pink Dawn" and has grown locally long enough to stabilize this deeper color. I'm happy to say we have enough seed on hand to offer 3 sizes of packets this year.
Like other somniferum poppies, these need cool soil and light for germination. Prepare a bed with good fertility and fine texture. Tamp the surface, scatter the seed, and rake in very lightly. Thin to 18"-24" apart; crowded plants will be stunted, so allow adequate space.