31 Beautiful Poppy Varieties for Your Garden (2024)

Growing poppies from seed is easy; little effort is needed to successfully grow them. Poppies are always a good idea, whether grown for their seeds, showy pods, or sheer beauty.

Before diving into some of the most beautiful poppies to grow this year, I’d like to first introduce you to a few other notable poppy species.

• California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are perennial in USDA zones 6 to 10 and best for warmer climates. These should be directly sown.
• Corn poppies (Papaver rhoeas), also known as Shirley or Flanders poppies, are grown as annuals and easily reseed themselves, which is great for naturalizing areas.
• Iceland poppies (Papaver nudicaule) can be grown as annuals across all zones but will survive as perennials in USDA zones 2 to 8. As you may guess from the name, these are the most cold-hardy, and special care should be taken in areas with hot summers.
• Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) are the largest of the types and bloom in the spring or early summer. They grow as perennials in USDA zones 3 to 8 and as annuals anywhere with full sun.
• Somniferum poppies (Papaver somniferum) include the culinary staple poppy seed variety, breadseed poppies and are also known as opium poppies. They grow as annuals and can be grown for their blooms as well as the seeds.
• Arctic, yellow, or rooted poppies (Papaver radicatum) are native to Native America and are much shorter in height than other types. Flies are often found pollinating these.

Here, I’ll share information on 31 beautiful varieties of poppies you should try growing this season.

‘Mission Bells’

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Mission Bells California Poppy Seeds

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‘Black Swan’

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Black Swan Poppy Seeds

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‘Brilliant’

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Brilliant Oriental Poppy Seeds

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‘Mission Bells’

	botanical name Eschscholzia californica ‘Mission Bells’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 9 to 18 inches
	hardiness zones 8 to 10

Did someone drop confetti in the garden, or is ‘Mission Bells’ California poppy in bloom? This variety is a vibrant blend of bright and cheery pink, orange, and red. Blooms are two to three inches wide and feature four ruffled and slightly silky petals.

This California poppy blooms from spring to frost and returns year after year if left to self-seed.

‘Mission Bells’ is low-maintenance and heat and drought-tolerant.

‘Black Swan’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Black Swan’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

This breadseed variety makes an amazing cut flower, adding a unique dark shade to an annual bouquet of bright yellows and pinks. It’s a great performer and looks remarkable in a container.

‘Black Swan’ is an absolute stunner when planted en masse. With its dark cabernet, almost black semi-double, frilly booms are spooky and romantic. Each flower is three to five inches and their sweet nectar attracts pollinators.

As the stems unfurl and open up, their curved necks resemble, you guessed it, a swan’s neck.

‘Brilliant’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Brilliant’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Surround these late spring bloomers with your tulip bouquets for a special treat. ‘Brilliant’ resembles a bright red firework with a bold purple center and will bloom into early summer.

These flowers are four inches in diameter and semi-double, with ruffled edges, forming an upward-facing cup shape.

Sow seeds in late winter or early spring in prepared garden beds as soon as you’re able to work the soil, typically about four to six weeks before your last frost.

‘Tallulah Belle Blush’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Tallulah Belle Blush’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

You may need to offer some support for these heavy pompom-style blooms. These large, frilly lilac and lavender flowers beautifully complement a cottage or cutting garden.

This hardy romantic variety will bloom from June to August in most zones and can tolerate cold spells without damage.

‘’Tallulah Belle Blush’ plants are low maintenance, reliably come back year after year, and are drought-resistant.

‘American Legion’

	botanical name Papaver rhoeas ‘American Legion’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 12 to 14 inches
	hardiness zones 7 to 10

This heirloom variety was immortalized in World War I soldier John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.” This bright red-orange corn poppy reminded him of lives lost during the war. Today, people spread these seeds to honor the memory of lost loved ones.

‘American Legion Corn’ poppies are two to three inches and sometimes feature a black center – they’re a great cut flower.

Scatter seeds in the spring or fall and allow them to naturally stratify, germinate, and bloom where they land. They also make great winter-sown flowers.

‘Orange Glow’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Orange Glow’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

Northern growers take note. Unlike many other poppy varieties, ‘Orange Glow’ is hardy down to -40°F (-40°C)! These gorgeous rusty orange blooms are heavily ruffled, textured, and slightly flattened.

Provide well-draining soil and lots of sun for these late spring to early summer bloomers and wait for the bees and butterflies to arrive.

You’ll see lots of seed pods and fern-like foliage on ‘Orange Glow’. It’s also deer-resistant!

‘Helen Elizabeth’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Helen Elizabeth’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 28 to 30 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

Large, salmony-pink blooms with a dark interior center and steam, ‘Helen Elizabeth’ is like bubblegum in the garden. Her petals are just slightly textured and upturned.

This soft, gentle pink lends itself well to a cottage garden. Oriental poppies are good companions for yarrow, garden phlox, and goldenrod.

Pro tip: Cut the stem tops and remove seed pods after blooming to prevent self-seeding.

‘Blue Moon’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Blue Moon’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height Up to 32 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

‘Blue Moon’ is a unique and rare poppy that will set your garden apart from others, that is, if you can get your hands on the seeds! It’s as if a painter walked through the garden and dabbed a purple spot on the lower center of each petal.

Since they require a two to four-week cooling period to break their dormancy, we recommend directly sowing these before the last frost date. Alternatively, winter sow or cold stratify them indoors.

Blooms arrive in the summer and attract pollinators, while deer and rabbits will stay away. Add them to a cutting or cottage garden.

‘Heartbeat’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Heartbeat’ PP20102
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 32 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

The result of over 30 years of breeding, ‘Heartbeat’ can produce up to 12 deep maroon, slightly ruffled, show-stopping flowers. Its stems are sturdy, and their semi-blooms are 5 ½ to 7 ½ inches!

This cultivar blooms around the same time as spring irises and looks amazing alongside the deep violet iris blooms.

The ease of growing and beauty make this an easy choice.

‘Lauren’s Grape’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 2 to 11

There was once a local Colorado legend that famed garden writer Lauren Springer discovered this gorgeous variety after sowing poppy seeds she found on a bagel. When really, she collected seeds from her garden each year to make this purple stunner available commercially, and today it is!

The two-inch deep purple flowers point slightly upwards and feature darker spots near the base. Pair it with purples and yellows in cut flower bouquets for a bold contrast.

Sow seeds in the fall in mild climates or four to six weeks before your last frost date in cooler climates.

‘Peony Double Blend’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Peony Double Blend’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 2 to 11

Nature’s candy in flower form! A true peony-lookalike, this heirloom variety boasts deeply ruffled three to five-inch blooms in orange, pink, salmon, rose, purple, white, and striped red and white. Foliage is large, dense, and light gray-green.

They’ll bloom in late spring and early summer as your early-blooming bulbs are starting to fade.

The botanical name of bread seed poppies somniferous means “tending to induce sleep”, hence the nickname opium poppies. While it’s perfectly legal to grow them, it’s illegal to grow them with the intent of producing opium.

‘Perry’s White’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Perry’s White’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

This gorgeous Oriental poppy is stark white with a deep maroon-to-black center and dense, dark green foliage on tall stems.

Sow ‘Perry White’ directly in the fall in a well-draining area for late spring to early summer blooming.

Pro tip: Interplant these with summer-blooming annuals to fill the bare spots dormant poppies leave.

‘Mrs Perry’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Mrs Perry’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height About 28 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

‘Mrs Perry’ is unquestionably a conversation starter with her heavily ruffled, baby pink petals featuring a deep crimson “fingerprint” along the inside of each bright violet stamen. You’ve never seen anything like her!

The blooms are four to six inches across and look just like crepe paper.

Pro tip: Keep at least two feet between plants to keep good air circulation and decrease the risk of fungal diseases.

‘Nudicaule Blend’

	botanical name Papaver nudicaule ‘Nudicaule Blend’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shaade
	height 12 to 24 inches
	hardiness zones 2 to 8

This blend of white, soft pink, orange, and yellow blooms shouts romantic spring. Appearing almost too perfect to be real, ‘Nudicaule Blend’ Iceland poppy blooms are three inches in diameter, slightly sweet-smelling, and perfectly papery on erect stems.

Poppies naturally attract pollinators and are deer-resistant. These make great cut flowers in the spring alongside similar shades of ranunculus and daffodils. This variety is drought-tolerant once established.

Pro tip: Poppies are an excellent winter sowing option.

‘Pierrot’

	botanical name Papaver rhoeas ‘Pierrot’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

This unique variety is a striking shade of red with jet-black markings on each of the four petals where they meet the base of the wiry stem. Blooms are three inches in diameter.

‘Pierrot’ produces seeds abundantly, so it easily naturalizes hillsides and new garden areas as it reaches maturity in just 65 days.

Pro tip: After harvesting poppies, hold the stems in boiling water to stop the sap run. Alternatively, you can hold fire to the end for a few seconds. After trimming the stems every few days, repeat this process to improve the vase life.

‘Orange’

	botanical name Eschscholzia californica ‘Orange’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6 to 12 inches
	hardiness zones 8 to 10

The state flower of California, ‘Orange California’ is a native heirloom with two to three-inch crepe papery flowers, each with four petals that form a slightly upward-facing cup. Easily self-seeding, Eschscholzia californica is perfect for naturalizing areas and planted in a pollinator or wildflower garden.

Enjoy bright orange blooms from spring to frost. This variety is heat and drought-tolerant, setting it apart from most other cool weather-loving poppy types.

Early explorers coined the golden flower-covered hillsides of California “Land of Fire”.

‘Pink Ruffles’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Pink Ruffles’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height About 28 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

You’re sure to notice this stunner from across the garden when its fringed, bright salmon-colored petals start to unfurl, their appearance so wild it seems artificial. The black center sets it apart.

‘Pink Ruffles’ blooms in late spring to midsummer.

Poppies prefer to be direct-seeded because of their strong taproots. Alternatively, start them indoors in biodegradable pots or transplant them before a strong taproot forms. Transplant bare-root plants in the spring or fall. Plant them deep so their roots have ample space to spread and cover the crown with three inches of soil. Any well-draining soil type will do. Water during dry spells.

‘Hungarian Blue’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Hungarian Blue’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

This whimsical organic heirloom is a homerun, grown for its beautiful two-inch pale purple flowers, funky ornamental seed pods at maturity, and delicious bread seed poppy seeds. Their seeds add a special touch to baked goods like top muffins and bagels.

A native of Africa, ‘Hungarian Blue Breadseed’ is very drought tolerant. Give this one a little extra space to spread out eight to ten inches.

Flowers will bloom in the spring. Pods left on the stems to dry will add a unique flair to your summer annual garden. This variety contains rare and beautiful periwinkle seeds.

‘Falling in Love’

	botanical name Papaver rhoeas ‘Falling in Love’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 2 to 11

This variety looks like a cross between a poppy and a carnation. Its white, pink, and red blooms have speckled, ruffled white edges that appear straight from a watercolor painting. Some of the petals have contrasting colors, making them seem even more unreal.

Slightly cup-shaped, these single or double blooms have pale yellow centers. Plant them after the risk of frost has passed but when temperatures are still cool. ‘Falling in Love’ is frost tolerant.

Poppies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Adjust with lime as needed before planting. Mix in compost to assist with drainage and add fertility.

‘Black’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum paeoniflorum ‘Black’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Looking for a poppy to add to your spooky garden? Look no further than ‘Black’. Pair them with a vintage rod-iron bench, near an arch, or incorporate them into an edible garden with ‘Indigo Rose Pole’ cherry tomatoes, ‘Black Kat’ Pumpkins, and ‘Black Magic’ bachelor’s buttons to make a statement.

Alternatively, plant them alongside stark white flowers like foxgloves or snapdragons for an intense contrast.

This peony-like variety is ruffly with a combination of singles and doubles. It’s easy to grow and a joy to observe.

‘Shirley Single Blend’

	botanical name Papaver rhoeas ‘Shirley Single Blend’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 10

This heirloom dates back to the 1880s and features two to three-inch flowers on strong but slender stems. The romantic, bold shades come in pink, rose, red, and white. Flower faces are more flat with a fluffy yellow center.

‘Shirley Single Blend’ will easily self-seed when spread in a naturalized area, meadow, or on sloped land. She’ll fill the gap between spring bulb blooms and early summer flowers.

Our community loves this variety for its range of colors and great germination rates.

‘Mother of Pearl’

	botanical name Papaver rhoeas ‘Mother of Pearl’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height Up to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 2 to 11

This strain was developed by Sir Cedric Morris and named for its shell-like appearance. Its palette of pink, purple, white, and orange are muted, appearing to be dusted in luster. Blooms are two to three inches in diameter and feature dark centers.

‘Mother of Pearl’ will grow easily without much effort, attracting pollinators, growing vigorously, and blooming all summer. Direct sow them every six to eight inches by just pushing them into the surface. Seedlings should emerge within two weeks.

Allow the pods to dry on the stem, or snip them down and dry them in a cool, dry place. Add them to everlasting bouquets for an antique vibe.

‘Planete Rouge Du Jura’

	botanical name Papaver somniferum ‘Planete Rouge Du Jura’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 36 to 48 inches
	hardiness zones 4+

These huge, four to six-inch magenta and mauve blooms are slightly cupped with lightly ruffled edges. Peer inside to see its unique eggplant-colored markings surrounding the center. Foliage is a waxy gray-green.

This Swiss variety was developed for its seeds and seed oil, but today, it’s typically front and center in ornamental and cottage gardens. It prefers poor soil and matures in 75 days from seeding.

Direct seed this variety outdoors by broadcasting it when the soil can be worked. Lightly sprinkle vermiculite or compost over the top. Light is required for germination. Thin to six inches.

‘Oriental Blend’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Oriental Blend’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 48 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

These four-to-eight-inch wide flowers will amaze you. Their pink, coral, and orange shades are similar to spring ranunculus and feature a dark center.

‘Oriental Blend’ is one of the hardiest poppies. It blooms once in the spring, dies back in the summer heat, then blooms again in the fall!

Try winter sowing poppies in late winter or early spring by following the milk jug sowing method. This allows them to go through a cold stratification process, and germination occurs when Mother Nature tells them it’s time.

‘Lingholm’

	botanical name Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 36 to 48 inches
	hardiness zones 5 to 7

Few flowers have as stunning a true blue shade as the Himalayan blue poppy. This reliable perennial will awaken your imagination and delight gardeners of all levels.

It has four single petals loosely formed together with a firework-style center and pale yellow stamen. Its blooms are three to five inches across and some feature leaf rosettes. Its gentle blueish-purple shade looks great in a shady cottage garden provided it has plenty of organic matter and is protected from strong winds, or in a woodland garden.

This poppy prefers cool, moist, shady growing conditions, like those of New England, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Quebec. It cannot be grown in hot or humid climates. Full maturity takes two to five years. Cut plants back in the fall and mulch heavily in cold regions before winter. Propagate by division or seed in the spring.

‘Patty’s Plum’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

‘Patty’s Plum’ blooms grow to six inches in diameter! The blooms face slightly upward, forming a ruffled cup in a gorgeous rose shade.

Keep the soil moist while seeds germinate and seedlings grow. Once established, rainwater should suffice for irrigation. This variety is deer-resistant.

While they will self-seed, the plants that emerge may not be the same in color, so remove seeds at the end of the season from the soil surface. Alternatively, opt to propagate by dividing the roots every few years when the plant is dormant.

‘Watermelon’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Watermelon’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 25 to 28 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

You simply can’t ask for a more stunning Oriental poppy. ‘Watermelon’ is a striking, fully-saturated bold watermelon red with small dark markings inside with light green hairy, fern-like foliage and purple stamen.

This variety blooms from late spring to early summer. Blooms can reach six inches across.

Add ‘Watermelon’ to a fence border or cutting garden.

‘Champagne Bubbles White’

	botanical name Papaver nudicaule ‘Champagne Bubbles White’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 12 to 20 inches
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

A crisp white Iceland poppy variety, ‘Champagne Bubbles White’ features papery white three to five-inch blooms with yellow centers and a light citrus scent.

Blooming alongside bright annuals, these white blooms will accent summer bouquets nicely. They mature 85 to 100 days after sowing or transplant.

Harvest these guys just as they begin to show color for the best vase life.

‘Mikado’

	botanical name Eschscholzia californica ‘Mikado’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 12 to 18 inches
	hardiness zones 8 to 10

If you want drama, grab these seeds. ‘Mikado California’ features two to three-inch wide bright orange-red saucer-shaped flowers with contrasting yellow markings and bright yellow centers.

These beauties will close up when the sun disappears and open up to bask in its glory.

They love the heat and are very low maintenance. A reliant self-seeder that returns each year, blooming from spring to frost.

‘Aglaya’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Aglaya’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 30 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

Hummingbirds and local beneficial insects will flock to this early spring bloomer for sustenance. The flowers are among the largest at up to six and a half inches in diameter. Petals are light salmon with bright pink internal markings with a silky feel. The foliage is deep green.

Plant these somewhere you’ll see them often. Their cheery “face” is sure to make you smile, even on rainy days.

Poppy enthusiasts are thrilled when ‘Aglaya’ is offered.

‘Royal Wedding’

	botanical name Papaver orientale ‘Royal Wedding’
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 24 to 36 inches
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

Nothing says elegance like ‘Royal Wedding’ Oriental poppies. These large, clean white, slightly fringed blooms with deep purplish-black centers appear from late spring to early summer.

‘Royal Wedding’ goes dormant in the summer heat, so fill in the gaps with tall annuals and enjoy the appearance of seed pods in the fall.

Plant ‘Royal Wedding’ en masse for a big statement, or pair it with bright, bold colors for a nice contrast.

‘Champagne Bubbles Pink’

	botanical name Papaver nudicaule ‘Champagne Bubbles Pink’
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 15 to 20 inches
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

This slightly fragrant, crinkly variety boasts a bright watermelon shade and three- to five-inch blooms on sturdy stems with light gray-green foliage.

When starting from the seed, sow six to eight weeks before transplanting in a 128-cell tray. Barely cover seeds and water them from below to avoid displacement. Harden them off after the risk of frost has passed, and transplant them before the taproot has becomestrong.

Pinching is not necessary. Harvest astheybegin to crack and show color.Vase life is five to seven days.