Also known as the common poppy or field poppy, Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is a very distinctive annual native British wildflower, bringing vivid red petals with striking black centres to gardens, wildflower meadows, and wildlife margins. Its bright flowers create a bold, naturalistic display that supports pollinators including bees and hoverflies throughout the flowering season. Corn Poppy is easy to grow in most well-drained soils, with lighter, free-draining conditions being ideal for strong establishment. Its delicate, papery flowers add movement and colour to borders, meadows, and mixed wildflower plantings, making it a favourite for gardeners looking to restore native wildflowers to their outdoor spaces. These plants will readily self-seed, and germination of new seedlings can be encouraged by lightly cultivating the soil after flowering in late summer or autumn. Seed coverageA 2 g packet contains approximately 10,000 corn poppy seeds, enough to sow a minimum of 5 m² at a dense rate. For a lighter, more natural meadow-style sowing, the same packet can cover a larger area depending on spacing and soil conditions. The seeds are of UK origin and are not treated with any chemicals. Sowing Instructions Scatter seeds onto a fine, weed-free seedbed in spring or autumn. Lightly rake in or press the seeds gently into the soil; they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge. Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails. Remove competing weeds as seedlings grow to allow strong, healthy plants to establish. Flowers will appear in the first season if sown in spring, or early in the following season if sown in autumn.
