Papaver somniferum ‘Hens & Chickens’ is an extraordinary ornamental poppy grown as much for its remarkable seed pods as its beautiful flowers. Tall blue-green stems carry large, silky raspberry- red blooms, before developing the variety’s unmistakable capsules. Each large central ‘hen’ is surrounded by a ring of miniature ‘chicks’, creating one of the most unusual seed heads available for cutting.
 
‘Hens & Chickens’ is a wonderful hardy annual for sunny borders, cottage gardens and cutting patches. The sculptural pods add exceptional shape and texture to fresh arrangements and can also be harvested and dried for long-lasting displays. Easy to grow from seed and capable of self-seeding in suitable conditions, this distinctive poppy delivers interest long after its delicate flowers have finished.
 
 
When to Sow: Aug - May

HOW TO SOW:
Best sowed direct in Autumn or Spring into moist well-drained soil, keep well watered until plants are well established. Thin resulting seedlings. Can be sowed in to pots but they dislike root disturbance so should be sowed thinly so pricking out is not necessary.
 
Classification: Hardy Annual
Expert Level:  Easy to Grow
Germination Time : 2-8 Weeks
 
Site: Full Sun/ Part Sun
Soil Type: Will grow in most soils
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well drained
Care: Cut & Come Again.   Deadhead if you do not want it to self-seed
Use: Cut Flowers, Garden Borders, Dried seed pods
Harvesting: Cut in the cracking bud stage and sear ends in boiling water. Cut seed pods green or brown
Days to Maturity:  80-90 Days
 
Vase Life: 2-3 Days
Height: 90cm
Plant Spacing: 15cm