Black Beauty Poppy

This dramatic selection began as a standout component in our Breadseed Poppy Mix, but its saturated, near-black burgundy petals and mix of decadent double ruffled blooms and elegant singles demanded a stage of its own. Rising on sturdy stems cloaked in powdery, blue-green foliage, 'Black Beauty' provides striking architectural contrast in late spring borders and makes a moody, long-lasting cut flower. Plants are remarkably fuss-free and thrive in lean, well-drained soils where little else will. Direct-sow outdoors as early as the ground can be worked, as poppy seed requires cold spring soil to germinate properly; sowing after your final spring frost is not advised. After the petals drop, the sculptural, crown-topped seed pods remain highly ornamental in both fresh and dried arrangements—producing abundant culinary poppy seeds for baking or naturally self-sowing for a low-maintenance return year after year.