Sowing Poppies and Other Colorful Annuals in a Park Setting

Surface-Sow in Fall for Spring Color

Poppies (annual, biennial, or perennial types) can be scattered on the soil surface in fall. Keep moist during germination and remove competing weeds.

Companion Seeds for Surface Sowing

• Alyssum: Low, fragrant, white/pink/purple.
• Biennials (first year foliage, second year blooms): Lychnis (Rose Campion), Verbascum, Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).

All can be surface-sown without digging. Lightly rake after scattering to ensure seed-soil contact. Fall sowing gives a head start on spring color.