Black Peony Poppy
Big plants with lots of big double flowers in a mysterious shade of maroon-black. The double flowers last a bit longer before shattering than the strains bred for seed or medicine. This color adds a lot of depth to a planting or a bouquet, and makes colors nearby really pop. I have wanted to add these for a long time. Peony-form flowers have lots of big frilly petals, that I find more resistant to weather than the shredded, fringed petals of the the lacinato types. Poppies can make good cut flowers if you singe the cut stem immediately with a match. Pick when just ready to open, like the bud in the lower right of the photo. 200 seeds
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.