Hen & Chicken Seeds
Hen & Chicken Seeds
This poppy produces the most unusual pod of all. The true variety grows to about 2 1/2 ft. to 3 ft. tall. It has a thick stalk and broad leaves which make it appear short and squat compared to most other somniferum varieties. It develops large flower heads that stay curled downward for several days longer than other varieties. The "chicks" are developing during this waiting period and will soon force the caps over the flower to crack as the stem straightens and the flowers open. The flowers are big and usually a deep red to a light purple with dark centres. The petals fall after 3 days. The bees love H & C's which insure a good pollination for the next season's planting.
As the petals fall after 3 days of blooming, the seed pods with "chicks" will grow much larger and can weigh over 4 ounces before drying. The seed pod and chicks are heavy with latex. Two weeks after the petals fall, the pods are fully developed and will begin to harden, turning a dark blue. At this time, the pod can be removed from the plant by cutting the thick stem as low on the plant as possible. It can then be hung to dry in the sun if weather permits or inside. Good air circulation is important to prevent mold.
The Hen & Chicken Poppy is very impressive as an ornamental and not so common as other varieties. The plants we grow here at Izmir Farm are always the first to be sold after each annual harvest.
Availability
1 Gram
$17 U.S.
5 Gram
$29 U.S.
1 Ounce
$75 U.S.
Order
Click here to order.
Photos
