Peony Poppies "Party Mix"
These are not only bigger and more gorgeous than other poppies, but also longer-blooming, holding on to their petals far longer than their single counterparts. And what petals! Doubled, frilled, ruffled, and shaded--they are fantastically lovely at a distance, and even more amazing up close, Colors include shades of red, scarlet, crimson, maroon, pink, purple, white, lavender, wine, and purple. The scalloped silver-blue foliage sets off the flowers perfectly. Planted in fall, winter, or early spring, they are the stars of the mid-spring garden. Deer don't touch them, so if you are planning a deer-resistant border, be sure to include these to add sparkle to the usual assortment of sages, rosemary, iris, butterfly bush, catmint, yarrow, and so on.
Poppies are easy to grow. They love well-drained soil, and respond enthusiastically to fertility. Good garden soil is ok. Add plenty of compost or manure, especially if are planting in a less-fertile area (a great way to use marginal areas, since poppies like rocky soil and are ignored by deer.) Sand, gravel, or a sprinkle of straw on the surface of the soil can help anchor the seed if direct-sowing, and help provide good drainage. Spacing is critical--crowding will stunt the plants. If you do nothing else, be sure to thin your poppies to at least 12" apart. Can be fine cut flowers if the cut end of the stem is singed with a match after cutting, then put into the vase. Papaver somniferum