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

‘White Swan’ is a breathtaking feathered poppy variety that brings light, movement, and delicate elegance to summer borders. This laciniatum-type Papaver somniferum features deeply cut, finely fringed petals in luminous shades of pure white to soft cream, creating a cloud-like, ethereal presence in the garden. The blooms appear almost weightless as they sway in the breeze, offering a striking contrast to darker foliage and structural perennials.

After flowering, ‘White Swan’ develops beautiful round seed pods — a favourite among florists for fresh and dried work. Easy to grow and fast to establish, these poppies thrive when direct-sown, rewarding gardeners with a long season of decorative display.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Papaver somniferum var. laciniatum ‘White 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 ‘White Swan’

• Ethereal, fringed white blooms with unique texture
• 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