Poppy Lilac PomPom

£3.20

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Description

Poppy 'Lilac Pompom' Seeds

Papaver somniferum 'Lilac Pompom' Seeds (also known as Double Peony Poppy) are a gloriously gratifying alternative for those who want the look of traditional Peonies without waiting years for establishment. The plant produces massive, extravagant, fully double blooms (10-12cm across) featuring layers of fringed, ruffled, and delicately crimped petals in a soft lavender-lilac that shimmers and glows ethereally in evening light.

The blooms sit atop striking glaucous, silver-grey foliage, which provides a cool, sophisticated backdrop for the lilac flowers. After the petals drop, the plant leaves behind large, architectural blue-grey "pepper pot" seed capsules with a distinctive star pattern on top, which can be left in the winter garden for birds or harvested for stunning dried floral arrangements.


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🌿 Understanding the Plant

Papaver somniferum (Paeoniflorum group) 'Lilac Pompom' is a Very Hardy Annual (H7). It is incredibly resilient to the British climate, capable of surviving severe frosts and snow as a small winter seedling.

Peony Mimicry: As a "Paeoniflorum" type, it has been selectively bred to produce 50+ petals per flower, creating the lush pompom effect associated with traditional Peonies in just a single growing season.

The Deep Taproot: Poppies establish a deep taproot to access nutrients and moisture. While this makes them drought-tolerant once established, it also means they categorically hate being transplanted or moved.

🌱 Growing Guide

Poppies are remarkably easy to grow, but they require a "tough love" approach to produce the largest blooms.

How to Sow:
Sow directly outdoors in Autumn (September-October) for the largest plants, or in March to May. Scatter seeds onto a fine tilth and press gently into the surface—do not cover as they require light to germinate.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and well-drained soil. They actually prefer "lean" or poor ground; rich, heavily manured soil often leads to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Ongoing Care (The Golden Spacing Rule):
You must thin seedlings ruthlessly once they reach 5cm tall. Space them 30cm apart. If left crowded, they will be weak and spindly. Proper spacing allows each plant to become a multi-stemmed monster producing 10–20 large pompoms.

📋 Plant Specifications
Botanical Name Papaver somniferum (Paeoniflorum)
Common Name Lilac Pompom / Double Peony Poppy
Plant Type Very Hardy Annual
Hardiness H7 (Extremely Hardy)
Light Requirements Full Sun ☀️
Height 90cm
Spread 30cm
Flowering Period June to August
Seeds per Packet Approximately 500 seeds
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations

The shimmering lilac and silver of 'Lilac Pompom' is a masterclass in soft, romantic colour-pairing:

  • 💙 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Meadow Mix. Scatter these together in autumn. The electric blue cornflowers weaving through the lilac pompoms create a timeless, jewel-toned display that is a haven for bees.
  • 🌌 Nigella 'Miss Jekyll Mixed': The Ethereal Duo. The "misty" foliage of Nigella perfectly complements the bold silver leaves of the Poppy. Their combined seed heads also provide incredible winter structure.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in autumn or spring for massive blooms and architectural "pepper pot" seed heads.

Month J F M A M J J A S O N D
Direct Sow
Flowering

🐝 Pollen-Rich
While double petals make access trickier than single types, 'Lilac Pompom' still provides a massive amount of pollen for determined bumblebees once the heavy ruffled heads are fully open.

📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Hardy Annuals →

Delivery & Returns

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Be a smarter gardener

Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.

Slow release for sustained growth

Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.

Love your land

The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.

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Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Recommended by Lucy Hutchings of @shegrowsveg and author of “Get Up and Grow” and recommended by Anna Greenland of @annagreenland and author of "Grow Easy"