The fascination of black or dark flowers continues with this stunning, large, fully double flowered poppy in deepest red to black, with lovely crinkled petals. Easy to grow and superb in the border where it is best left to naturalise. Flowers summer. Height 91cm (36in).

Sow from March to May outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Germination usually takes approximately 21 days.

A sowing can also be made in late August/September for overwintering and flowering earlier the next season.

When large enough to handle, thin out to 30cm (12in) apart. They prefer a hot, sunny, open site and free drained soil, but will grow in most sites and soils.

Remove seed pods before the seed is shed if you do not wish them to self seed.

Allow a few plants to set seed and sprinkle the seed on home baked bread.