white poppy seed flower Papaver somniferum White Swan SeedsPapaver somniferum White Swan Breadseed Poppy Feathered Poppy White Swan is a breathtaking feathered poppy variety that brings light, movement, and delicate elegance to summer borders. This laciniatum type Papaver somniferum features deeply cut, finely fringed petals in luminous shades of pure white to soft cream, creating a cloud like, ethereal presence in the garden. The blooms appear almost weightless as they sway in the breeze, offering a striking

Papaver somniferum ‘White Swan’ | Breadseed Poppy | Feathered Poppy

‘White Swan’ is a breathtaking feathered poppy variety that brings light, movement, and delicate elegance to summer borders. This laciniatum-type Papaver somniferum features deeply cut, finely fringed petals in luminous shades of pure white to soft cream, creating a cloud-like, ethereal presence in the garden. The blooms appear almost weightless as they sway in the breeze, offering a striking contrast to darker foliage and structural perennials.

After flowering, ‘White Swan’ develops beautiful round seed pods — a favourite among florists for fresh and dried work. Easy to grow and fast to establish, these poppies thrive when direct-sown, rewarding gardeners with a long season of decorative display.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Papaver somniferum var. laciniatum ‘White Swan’
• 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 ‘White Swan’

• Ethereal, fringed white blooms with unique texture
• 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