Description One of the most exquisite cut flowers we grow, these peachy tissue-paper-like blooms are heartbreakingly beautiful. A citrusy scent and abundant flowering habit stretching from early spring through midsummer make them a highly prized cutting garden addition. Technically considered a hardy perennial, poppies can survive even the coldest winters, but because they don’t do well in high heat, they are often grown as a hardy annual or biennial. Details Plant type: hardy annual/biennial Height: 15 to 18 in Site: full sun Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days Plant spacing: 9 in Pinch: not necessary Seed Sowing & Growing Notes If you’re growing as a biennial, start seed indoors in trays in late summer and transplant into the garden in the fall. If you’re growing as an annual, start seed indoors in trays 8 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are very small; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Harvesting/Vase Life Harvest when buds are just starting to crack open. Once the flowers open fully, they’re more prone to damage by weather and rough handling, so frequent harvesting is recommended. For the longest vase life, immediately after harvest, sear stem ends using an open flame or dip in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, at which point you will notice the ends changing color and texture. On treated stems you can expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.