Orange scarlet blooms with a black eye add an exotic feeling to any sunny flower garden. The hairy foliage emerges early in the spring, and the Oriental Poppy plants quickly reach maturity. Oriental Poppy will go dormant after it blooms, so plant Poppies among other later emerging sun-loving, sprawling perennials that will fill the space. Oriental Poppies prefer full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Provide regular water the first season to help with establishment, but less water will be required the following years.
A hardy perennial in cooler areas, this plant is usually short-lived or even treated as an annual in climates where winters are warm. Oriental Poppies make an excellent cut flower. Cut stems in morning as the Oriental Poppy flower petals unfold. To help the stem absorb water, sear cut end with match. The flowers are followed by large ornamental pods filled with thousands of spicy, nutty-flavored edible seeds. Oriental Poppies attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Zones 4-9.