lavender poppy flower Papaver somniferum 'Lilac Pompom' Seeds | Feathered PoppyPapaver somniferum Lilac Pompom Breadseed Poppy Feathered Poppy Papaver somniferum Lilac Pompom is a breathtaking laciniatum type poppy valued for its large, deeply fringed, fully double blooms in an enchanting soft lilac shade. The unique pompom like flowers sit elegantly above blue grey foliage, creating a striking, romantic focal point in borders, cottage gardens and wildflower inspired plantings. Easy to grow and best sown directly where they will

Papaver somniferum ‘Lilac Pompom’ | Breadseed Poppy | Feathered Poppy

Papaver somniferum ‘Lilac Pompom’ is a breathtaking laciniatum-type poppy valued for its large, deeply fringed, fully double blooms in an enchanting soft lilac shade. The unique pompom-like flowers sit elegantly above blue-grey foliage, creating a striking, romantic focal point in borders, cottage gardens and wildflower-inspired plantings.

Easy to grow and best sown directly where they will bloom, this annual poppy offers high impact with minimal effort. After flowering, plants develop beautiful sculptural seed pods — highly prized for drying, floristry and natural décor.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Papaver somniferum var. laciniatum ‘Lilac Pompom’
• 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 ‘Lilac Pompom’

• Spectacular, deeply fringed pompom blooms in soft lilac
• 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