Lest We Forget 

In anticipation of this year’s Remembrance Day, MayFord Seeds have launched a new livery seed packet, filled with Flanders poppy (Papaver rhoeas) seeds. 

War is unfortunately still a reality in our modern world, whether it be conflict between countries or the fight against Covid 19. Initially instituted to commemorate those that fell in World War 1, Remembrance Day on the 11th of November now symbolises all those that have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Flanders poppy, which carpeted the battlefields of the Western Front, is worn or laid as wreaths to mark the day. 

Time is of the essence though. If you want your very own crop of striking poppies in bloom for Remembrance Day, simply visit a GCA Garden Centre soon  and purchase your seed packet to sow. These delightful flowers  are really easy to grow. Choose a bed that gets loads of sun, dig it over, sprinkle the seed, pat down and water. If they can grow on a bombed-out battlefield, they will just love your garden! 

Top Tips 

• The seed needs cool soil conditions to germinate, so plant them from late autumn into early spring. 
• Germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks. 

• Plant in a sunny position in beds or pots. 
• You can either sow them in drifts around the garden or do a massed planting in one bed. 
• Dig over the bed before planting and plant the seed where you want them to mature as they prefer not to be moved. 
• Once sown, pat down the soil firmly and water well. 
• Keep the soil damp until the seedlings are established, after which the plants are surprisingly water-wise. 

• They do respond well to liquid fertilisers. 
• Deadhead any spent flowers to extend their flowering time. 
• The blooms can be used as cut flowers.