Poppy 'Black Swan'

Poppy 'Black Swan' (Papaver somniferum var. nigrum) – Submitted by Le Potager Ornemental de Catherine

The 'Black Swan' poppy is a spectacular variety with large, finely cut double flowers in deep shades of dark red and velvety purple . Its elegant, fringed appearance gives it an unmistakable theatrical charm , making it a true jewel in the garden .

Beyond its splendid flowering , this poppy produces capsules filled with edible seeds , often called bread poppy , used in baking and cooking.

With its variable height of 60 cm to 1.20 m , it brings height and movement to flowerbeds and combines beautifully with other plants in contrasting colors.

Characteristics of the variety

Type : Annual
Plant habit : Erect and light
Height : 60 cm to 1.20 m
Flowering : Summer
Flowers : Double, sometimes single, dark red and purple
Foliage : Blue-green, finely toothed
Seeds : Edible, used in cooking
Attraction : Honey-producing, attracts pollinators
Quantity per sachet : ±500 seeds
Special feature : Ornamental and useful plant

Cultivation method

?? Exposure : Full sun
?? Sowing :
• Directly in open ground after all risk of frost
• Or indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting
?? Sowing depth : 1 mm (do not bury deeply, requires light to germinate)
?? Germination temperature : 15-20°C
? Germination time : 10 to 20 days
?? Spacing : 20 cm between plants
?? Watering : Moderate, avoid excess humidity
?? Maintenance : Remove faded flowers to prolong flowering or let them go to seed to harvest the capsules.

Under optimum conditions, the 'Black Swan' poppy produces a majestic flowering , followed by decorative and useful capsules in the kitchen.

Use and special features

?? An ornamental and gourmet poppy
Its seeds are edible and ideal for baking and pastry making .

?? A pollinator magnet
Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects .

?? Easy to grow, hardy and resistant
Thrives even in poor soil and with little maintenance .