POPPY

Papaver. Hardy annual and hardy perennial



The recent developments of this flower have brought it into great and

deserved popularity, and it may be safely affirmed that few other

subjects in our gardens afford a more imposing display of brilliant

colouring during the blooming period. The delicate beauty of the

Shirley Poppies is alone sufficient to create a reputation for the

entire class, and the huge flowers of the double varieties make a

gorgeous show. All the varieties are eminently adapted for enlivening

shrubbery borders and the sides of carriage-drives.



Seeds of Annual Poppies should be sown where the plants are intended to

flower, because it is difficult to transplant with any measure of

success. During March or April sow in lines or groups, and thin to

about a foot apart. Large clumps of some of the bolder colours should

be sown in spots that are visible from a distance, and they will present

glowing masses of flowers.



By sowing seeds of Perennial Poppies in pans in March, and putting out

the seedlings when large enough, the plants will flower the same year.

The more general practice, however, is to sow very thinly on a

well-prepared border any time from May to August. Keep the seedlings

free from weeds, and thin out if necessary. The plants may be

transferred to permanent quarters early in autumn or in the spring

months.