Breadseed Poppy 'Hens and Chickens'
Poppy somniferum
 
Hens and Chicks breadseed poppies produce enormous single flowers over 8" across.Bloom color will be red or pink. The extremely showy poppies give way to large main pods  surrounded by many smaller pods .
Large quirky seedpods are Florist's favorite feature.
Poppy seeds require a cool period of 2-4 weeks to break dormancy, and some gardeners choose to cold stratify their seeds.
 
Details:
Life Cycle: Hardy annual
Site: Full sun
Height: 36-42”
Avg. Gemination:7-14 days
Days to maturity: 55-65 days
Seed depth: Surface, press into the soil, do not cover
Plant spacing: 9”
Approx seeds per packet: 100
 
How to Grow:
Sow direct in succession from spring to early summer. Poppies dislike root disturbance so it's best to sow where you want them to flower. Seeds are tiny so do not cover them because they need light to germinate. Take care when watering to prevent the seeds being washed away. Alternatively sow in  September,October for slightly earlier flowers next year.
Thin seedlings to allow sufficient space (30cm) for the young plants to grow and develop.
Amazing Grey Poppies will grow in most garden situations ranging from full sun to dappled shade. They prefer moist but well drained soil. Protect from slugs and snails because they love Poppies.
Grow plenty and sow in succession for lots of blooms.
 
Harvest:
Pick in the cool of the early morning or evening when the buds are just starting to break open. Poppies last just a couple of days in a vase but they are productive plants so harvest frequently to keep the blooms coming. Sear stem ends in boiling water for 20 seconds to prolong vase life and place immediately in fresh clean water.
 
Vase Life:
With a proper care 3-4 days