The Poppy Scarlet is an easy-to-grow and maintain plant. It is a perennial. It is a beautiful, large plant with red flowers and a black center. The leaves are light green and finely incised. These leaves dry out after flowering. This poppy is also called the Giant Poppy. It originates from Central Asia (Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan). This adaptation is necessary for the Poppy's Scarlet native climate, where summers are dry and hot. The leaves re-grow naturally in the fall when it rains. Poppy Scarlet is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), along with: Greater celandine, California poppy, Yellow horned poppy, False poppy, Downy poppy, Plume poppy, Rough poppy, Pale poppy, Giant poppy, Great poppy, Opium poppy, Foxglove, Hollow root, Yellow corydalis, and Common fumitory. Most species in this family are herbs, but shrubs and small trees also belong to this family. The family grows wild in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
The beautiful Poppy Scarlet prefers a spot in full sun to partial shade. Sow in a spot with well-drained soil and allow the area to dry out slightly before watering again. Plant this plant in the garden alongside other plants that are developing their leaves, so that the bare space left behind is filled in the summer. It also thrives in large pots, balcony boxes, or other containers. It can also be grown on a balcony. The Poppy Scarlet self-seeds readily, making it a beautiful plant for a naturalized garden. The Poppy Scarlet flowers for a very long time if the faded flowers are regularly removed. It is a beautiful plant for the garden, border, and among wildflowers, for example, in a lawn. But this plant can also be grown in a balcony box, large pot, or other type of container. It also makes a beautiful cut flower. This flower is a striking eye-catcher in any garden and border. It also fits well in a natural garden because it self-seeds very easily. It also creates a beautiful contrast with cornflowers. Try using the Poppy Scarlet in a field bouquet alongside cornflowers. This plant is also very popular with bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. It is also easy to grow and maintain. This plant self-seeds readily. The petals are edible and have a slightly sweet flavor. They're a nice way to brighten up a dull salad. Use them as a decorative element in salads and soups. The brightly colored flowers can also be used as a garnish. Poppy Scarlet is the symbol of World War I in England. This "Remembrance Poppy" is therefore worn to commemorate the fallen soldiers of World War I. Poppy Scarlet flowers from May till July. Hardy perennial. Height: 50 - 100 cm.
Indoor sowing: February - end of March
Outdoor sowing: end of March - end of May
Germination: 7 - 28 days
Germination temp.: 10 - 20 ºC
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 25 - 35 cm
Plant position: sunny - sheltered - half shaded
Flowering period: May - July
Sow indoors from February onwards. Sow in a tray with well-moistened potting soil. Sow shallowly and thinly and don't cover the seeds, as Poppy Scarlet is a dark germinator. However, place the tray in a dark room. Ensure a germination temperature of at least 10°C. Colder temperatures aren't effective. Cover the trays with a lid to retain moisture and store them in a cool, dark place. Maintain a consistent temperature and ensure that the temperature doesn't drop, especially at night. Depending on the temperature, the seeds will germinate after 7 till 28 days. Remove the lid as soon as the seeds have germinated. Place the plants outside in the sun for 10 till 14 days during the day to harden them off, from the beginning of May. After this period, the plants can be placed in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-loosened and well-drained soil from mid-May onwards. Keep well weeded.
Sow outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-loosened soil and good drainage from the end of March onwards. The soil shouldn't be too rich in nutrients, as Poppy Scarlet grows best in poor soil. Remove grass, tree roots, plant roots and stones. Sow the small seeds superficially and thinly. It helps to mix the dark, small seeds with dry sand. This helps to spread the seeds better and to see where you have sown them. Poppy Scarlet is a dark germinator, but the seeds shouldn't be covered. After the seeds have sprouted, you don't need to do much maintenance. In extreme heat and drought, you should water the plant. Sow broadly or in rows. After the seeds have emerged, thin them out to 25-35 cm. Remove the dead flowers regularly to enjoy the Poppy Scarlet for longer. This beautiful flower self-seeds very easily and is therefore also suitable for the wild natural garden.
