Papaver somniferum ‘Black Swan’ | Breadseed Poppy | Feathered Poppy

‘Black Swan’ is one of the most dramatic and glamorous poppy varieties available — a true showstopper for cottage gardens, natural borders, and summer displays. This laciniatum-type breadseed poppy produces deeply fringed, feather-like petals in rich shades of dark burgundy to near-black, creating an unforgettable texture and movement in the garden.

An easy-to-grow hardy annual, Papaver somniferum thrives with direct sowing and minimal care. Its large blooms are followed by ornamental, round seed pods, highly valued by florists for fresh and dried arrangements. Fast-growing and architectural, ‘Black Swan’ brings bold elegance and structure to any planting scheme.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Papaver somniferum var. laciniatum ‘Black Swan’
• Common names: Breadseed Poppy, Feathered Poppy, Peony Poppy
• Type: Hardy annual
• Days to maturity: 80–90 days
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Height: 70–90 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Flowering time: June – September
• Packet size: 1 g
• Approx. seeds per packet: ~3,000

Why Grow ‘Black Swan’

• Exquisite dark, feathered, double & semi-double blooms
• Exceptional garden presence — bold, tall, architectural
• Ornamental seed pods perfect for drying and floral design
• Easy direct-sow annual with fast growth
• Self-seeds lightly for future seasons
• Ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and meadow-style plantings

How to Sow

Direct Sow (recommended):

• Sow early spring (March–May) or late summer–autumn (August–September)
• Scatter seeds thinly onto raked soil; cover very lightly
• Maintain moisture until germination
• Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart

Indoor Sowing (possible but not ideal):

• Use deep pots to protect taproots
• Sow in darkness at ~20°C
• Transplant only when very small

Note: Breadseed poppies dislike transplanting. Direct sowing gives best results.

Growing Tips

• Requires well-drained soil — excellent drainage prevents root rot
• Water deeply but infrequently
• Slugs love young seedlings — protect early growth
• Remove spent blooms to extend flowering or leave them for pods
• Once flowering finishes, pods can be harvested or left to self-seed

Cut Flowers & Pods

• Cut when blooms are half-open
• Sear stem ends 7–10 seconds for vase conditioning
• Vase life: 2–3 days (pods last indefinitely)
• Pods dry beautifully for long-term décor

Perfect For

• Cottage & informal gardens
• Bold summer borders
• Dried floral work
• Naturalistic & meadow plantings
• Statement garden moments