Poppy 'Ladybird' Seeds

Papaver commutatum 'Ladybird' is a Very Hardy Annual (H7). It completes its entire life cycle in a single season but is incredibly resilient, surviving even the harshest UK winter frosts as a young seedling.

Dwarf Advantage: Unlike standard field poppies that grow tall and often flop, 'Ladybird' has been selected for its compact, multi-branched habit. This ensures a sturdy mound of foliage that supports its own weight, even during the heavy rain of a British summer.

Wildlife Impact: Officially recognised on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, its single, open flower structure provides easy access to high-quality nectar and pollen for bees and hoverflies.

Poppies are remarkably easy to grow if given plenty of light, but they categorically hate having their roots disturbed.

How to Sow:
Always direct sow where you want them to flower—they have deep taproots and do not transplant well. Sow in Autumn (Sept-Oct) for the earliest, biggest plants next year, or in Spring (March-May). Scatter seeds thinly onto a fine tilth and press them into the surface. Do not cover the seeds as they require light to trigger germination.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and well-drained soil. They actually prefer "lean" or poor soil; avoid over-feeding, as highly fertile soil produces massive leaves but very few flowers. They are perfect for gravel gardens, sunny banks, or gaps at the front of a border.

Ongoing Care:
Thinning is critical. Once seedlings are 5cm tall, thin them to 20-30cm apart. Proper spacing allows the plant to "bush out" into a spectacular mound. If left crowded, they will be weak and finish flowering quickly. Deadhead regularly to keep the scarlet blooms coming all summer.

The intense scarlet and black of 'Ladybird' needs light or contrasting colours to truly pop:

• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Primary Mix. Red and Blue is a classic combination. The electric blue of the cornflower vibrates against the scarlet poppy, creating a high-energy display that bees can spot from miles away.
• ❄️ Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The Softener. The bold, solid cups of the poppy look beautiful when nestled in the frothy, white lace of Ammi. It softens the intense red and adds elegant height behind the bushy poppies.

Sow in autumn or spring for a vibrant ribbon of scarlet and black.