The marvellous, creamy coloured double heads splashed with orange-red give a truly gorgeous and elegant, antique appearance to this masterpiece of a Poppy. Simply a must-have plant, with elegance and style, excellent for borders.

Sow March to May, thinly in shallow drills 30cm (12in) apart in well cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle. Alternatively, sow September to October, in 7.5cm (3in) pots in a cool greenhouse and then overwinter plants in cool, well lit conditions. Plant out the following spring after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.

Easily grown on any soil in a sunny position.

All parts except the seeds are poisonous.