FlowerPoppy
Danish Flag Poppy
Ornamental
Danish Flag Poppy is a stunning heirloom annual that stops traffic with its dramatic crimson-red blooms crowned by a bold white cross, earning its name from the flag of Denmark. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall, these generous plants produce massive 5- to 6-inch flowers with delicately fringed petal edges that bloom prolifically from spring through summer. While sources report varying timelines to bloom, ranging from 60 to 75 days in some cases, though others note 98 days, you can expect these showy flowers to reward you with weeks of color once they start. Deer won't touch them, and pollinators flock to the abundant blossoms, making this an excellent choice for a cutting garden or landscape statement.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained Loam, Tolerates Poor Soil
Preferred Temp65-75°F
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
10 in
Width
1 in
Spacing
98–98
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-11
Size
36in H x 10in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
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Highlights
What truly sets Danish Flag Poppy apart is the striking white cross that bisects each crimson bloom, a feature so distinctive it's woven into the variety's very name. The flowers are remarkably large for poppies, reaching 5 to 6 inches across, and their fringed edges add an almost ruffled elegance. These are not delicate, shy flowers, they're bold garden performers that bloom for weeks in succession during the warmest months. As an open-pollinated heirloom, they come true from seed, allowing you to save and replant your own year after year.
Common Uses
Danish Flag Poppies are grown as ornamental flowers, prized for their dramatic appearance in garden beds and as cut flowers. The large, long-lasting blooms make them exceptional for fresh arrangements.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Sow seeds in pots 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Surface sow or cover very lightly with vermiculite or use a humidity dome to maintain moisture. Keep temperatures at 65 to 70°F until germination occurs, which typically takes 5 to 20 days, then reduce to 50 to 60°F after sprouting. These seeds benefit from a cold stratification period of 4 to 5 weeks in a moist paper towel before sowing to improve germination rates. Be extremely gentle when transplanting, as poppies strongly dislike root disturbance.
Direct Sow
Direct sowing outdoors is the recommended method. Sow 4 weeks before your last spring frost, or in late autumn if you're in zones 8 and warmer. Mix seeds with fine sand and scatter thinly over prepared soil to ensure even spacing.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Deer ResistantAttracts Pollinators
Bloom Time
Spring To Summer
Scientific Classification
Papaver L.
Family
Papaveraceae
Genus
Papaver
Duration
Annual
Native Status
L48 (I)CAN (W)GL (W)