Item Number: SNV5365
Pepperbox Poppy Seeds
Blue-Black Edible Seed Harvest
Pepperbox Poppy seeds are a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking beauty, function, and culinary utility in a single plant. Growing these old-fashioned poppies offers triple rewards: glorious flowers, handsome pods, and nutty-tasting seeds from the same ornamental plants. Gray-green Pepperbox plants send up nodding stems of large, papery-textured purple, red, and pale pink blossoms, all with dark center blotches that add dramatic contrast and attract pollinators.
Once the petals drop, their big seed pods swell as blue-black seeds mature inside. These seeds can be harvested when dry and used in baking, or the pods can be saved for long-lasting, decorative arrangements. Easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, Pepperbox Poppies are best direct sown in early spring or fall. They do not transplant well but readily self-sow, making them a sustainable and low-maintenance option for ornamental beds and pollinator gardens.
Whether you’re cultivating for dried flower crafts, edible seeds, or vibrant seasonal color, Pepperbox Poppies offer a unique combination of beauty and productivity. Plants grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom through late spring into summer.
For more cottage garden favorites and multi-use flowers, explore our full collection of flower seeds.
Poppy – Pepperbox – Papaver somniferum
Did You Know? Pepperbox Poppy seeds have a rich, nutty flavor and can be harvested for baking when the seed heads dry on the plant.
Soil Temperature: 55–65°F
Planting Depth: 1/8"
Germination: 7–14 Days
Height At Maturity: 36"–48"
Days To Maturity: 75–85 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 6"–8"
Approx. Seeds per Pack: 1,000 Seeds
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Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Weight: 0.01 lb
Dimensions: 4.5"L x 3.125"W x 0.1"H
Features
Features
- Attracts Bees/Butterflies
- Does Not Require Support
- Good for Drying
- Heirloom
- Requires Summer Water
- Suited to Cold Climates
- Useful for Ornamental
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Planting: Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold climates, seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil thaws. Blossoms and pods are largest when plants grow in cool weather; seedlings are very cold hardy. In a well-worked, finely textured seedbed in full sun, sprinkle seeds thinly. Mixing the seeds with dry sand will help space them. Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8" deep and keep seedbed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 - 14 days. If seedlings come up too thick, thin poppies early, but delay final thinning to 6 - 8" apart until weather has settled in spring.
Growing: Open a fully formed seed capsule to make sure the tiny seeds are black and hard, then cut seed pod stalks with long stems. Bunch pods upside down in a paper bag to dry fully, leaving it open for air circulation. When seeds are thoroughly dry, shake them out, clean any debris from seeds, and store in a closed jar or freeze. Toasted Poppy seeds' nutty flavor enhances both sweet and savory breads, cakes and cookies and is delicious in salad dressing.
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
