Poppy 'Hungarian Blue' Seeds

'Hungarian Blue' is a heritage variety of Breadseed Poppy, specifically bred for its culinary value. In summer, it puts on a spectacular show of large, bowl-shaped, shimmering violet-purple flowers with dark, inky blotches at the base.

But the real magic happens after the petals fall. The large, blue-green seed pods swell up, filled with slate-blue seeds. These are the exact nutty, delicious poppy seeds you see on bagels and lemon-poppyseed cakes. It is a plant that feeds the soul with its beauty and the body with its harvest.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Hungarian Blue'

We love this plant because it is the ultimate "two-for-one." You get a stunning floral display that bees absolutely adore, followed by a harvest of high-quality seeds for your kitchen. The dried pods are also magnificent for winter decoration, adding architectural shape to vases.

It is effortless to grow. Like all poppies, it thrives on neglect, popping up in sunny corners and poor soil to provide height (up to 90cm) and drama with its distinctive glaucous (blue-grey) lettuce-like foliage.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

This Poppy is a vigorous Hardy Annual.

It completes its life cycle in one season.
The Harvest: Unlike other flowers where you deadhead to get more blooms, here you want the seed heads! Let the pods dry on the plant until they turn brown and you can hear the seeds rattling inside like a maraca.
Top Tip: Sow in autumn for bigger plants! Autumn-sown poppies establish a strong root system over winter and bloom earlier and taller than those sown in spring.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Poppies have a delicate taproot and must be direct-sown.

🌱 Germination:
Sow directly outdoors from September to November, or in early Spring (March-April). Scatter the tiny seeds on the surface of finely raked soil. **Do not cover them**—they need light to germinate. Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They demand full sun. They thrive in average or poor, well-drained soil. If the soil is too rich or wet, the heavy flower heads may flop over.

Care While Growing:
Thinning is crucial. You must be ruthless! Thin seedlings to about 30cm apart. Crowded poppies will be small, weak, and produce tiny seed pods. Give them room to grow into majestic specimens.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The violet blooms of 'Hungarian Blue' look stunning when paired with airy textures and jewel tones:

• ❄️ Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The perfect contrast. The flat, white lacy heads of Ammi Majus break up the large, solid purple cups of the poppy. Both grow to similar heights and love the same sunny conditions.
• 💎 Nigella 'Persian Jewels': For a texture-rich border. Nigella offers a similar life cycle (hardy annual, nice seed pods) but with fine, misty foliage that softens the bold, architectural leaves of the Poppy.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow directly outdoors in autumn or early spring. Harvest seeds in late summer.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)