Collection: Poppy

The sheer papery petals of the subfamily Papaveroideae mean that poppies don't last long as a cut flower, but in the garden, when a breeze ruffles them, that same quality gives them a downright magical quality. Plus, after the ephemeral flowers fade, the big seed pods make intriguing ornamental accents—or a convenient way to collect the tasty and nutritious seeds you know and love! To germinate, poppy seeds need cold. Sow them in winter or very early spring. Alternatively, start indoors in early spring. The seeds also need light, so press them into the soil without covering them.