Breadseed Poppy (Opium Poppy, Papaver somniferum) would be a better choice for Mid-Atlantic conditions, which can be tough on all poppies given our summer heat and humidity, and occasionally compacted or heavy clay soils. Breadseed Poppies are comparatively easy to grow, and they can also re-seed if not dead-headed. Oriental Poppies would be more likely to struggle in our summer conditions.

Miri

You can sow seeds outdoors for breadseed poppies in early spring, about six weeks before your last average frost date.

Christa