Family Owned Since 1979
Cultivating Gardeners

QIS® BOWLING BALL

QIS® BOWLING BALL

Product Description:

Papaver somniferum The biggest rattlepods we’ve seen! Bowling ball isn’t too much of an exaggeration when describing this poppy’s seed head, but tennis ball size is closer to the truth. Fleeting, pink-petaled blooms fade to developing the enormous pods on sturdy, 36–48 inch tall stems. For the largest pods, direct sow the seed in late summer to fall, and the overwintered crop will yield magnificent crops for a statement in dried arrangements. Approximately 2200 seeds per gram. Germination code: (4)
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SEED

$3.95

$3.95

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Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
33%
(2)
17%
(1)
17%
(1)
0%
(0)
33%
(2)
A
A.T.G.
EXPERIENCED GROWERS.....read directions first if you prefer direct seed

I had 0 germinate with direct seeding, as I do 4 other different types of Papaver somniferum since they normally resent transplanting and its SOOO much easier to direct sow. Anywho, I had 0 germination on my packet. So unlike other Papaver somniferum. I read the other reviews...some awesome and some saying they had no germination. So ..... maybe these special new hybrids need a lot earlier sowing in the ground to get the germination. Maybe their germination test was done exactly to directions. Just something for other customers to consider. I'm still buying some more because I adore these and like the good neighbor I am, grow these for my Ditch to Gardens at GardenOnGibson and ALL my large headed Papaver somniferum disappeared to some eager souls. I'll give 4 stars, because they still look and sound amazing.

E
Eric O.
None of the popies germinated

Most of the seeds I get from you all are wonderful but this time none of the poppies germinated from any of the packets I bought this year.

So sorry to hear that! We do germ test all of our seeds and the most recent test for this variety passed at 90%. As always, our products are backed by our full guarantee. We want you, our customers, to be 100% satisfied with the seed, plants and supplies that you purchase from us. If anything you buy from Territorial proves to be unsatisfactory, we will either replace the item (if available) or refund the purchase price, whichever you prefer (for up to 1 year from purchase). Contact our customer service (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Pacific Time) at either 800-626-0866 or info@territorialseed.com

C
Customer
They just bloomed!!

So excited to see the first bloom from these poppies which were sown in March. I got great germination and now am looking forward to see what size pods I get. I’ve tried these from other vendors in the past and wasn’t successful, so I’m very happy with these!

K
Kenneth D.
Giant pods!

They were the biggest of my entire crop and type of poppy, (of which I had a lot.)

California Poppy: These simple flowers are native to western North America and bring endless enjoyment. Sow in the spring for blooms all summer long. Sow in the fall and yours will be the first to bloom in spring. An outstanding border plant. Will self sow.

Poppy: In the same family as California Poppy, and primarily native to the Old World, these poppies bloom from mid to late-summer, and the season can be extended if they are kept dead-headed. Will self sow.

The color and beauty of a flower garden can lift the spirit and renew the soul, and a bouquet of fresh cut flowers will bring sunshine into your home. Over the years we have conducted extensive flower trials, concentrating on varieties that are easy to grow-many from direct-sowing- have superior color and fragrance, and make a good cut flower. Take a bit of time, relax and enjoy a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and look over our selections. We think you'll find just what you're looking for.

Germination Codes
Given at the end of each description to give you specific information.
(1) Germination occurs between 70-85°F and within 6-15 days. Sow indoors and cover lightly.
(2) Needs a period of pre-chilling. Mix seeds with moistened peat moss and place in plastic bag. Seal and place bag in an area where the temperature is around 60°F for 2-3 days. Then place in the refrigerator for 30-90 days. After pre-chilling, place seed on sterile seedling mix and cover lightly. Germination may take up to 30 days.
(3) Needs darkness to germinate. Remove cover as soon as germination occurs.
(4) Direct sow in the garden as soon as the soil warms to at least 55°F.
(5) Germination may be slow and erratic. A fluctuating temperature of 75°F during the day and 50°F at night may help.
(6) Needs at least 12 hours of light per day to germinate. Press into the medium but do not cover. Keep moist.
Note: For those varieties that indicate a (1) or (6), a very light covering of vermiculite will allow adequate light to the seed and keep it uniformly moist.

Culture
• As a general rule, flowers can be sown when soil has warmed to at least 55°F
• Apply 1-2 cups of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• If you prefer to soak your seeds: soak in 85°F water for 1-3 hours and plant immediately — longer soaking times are often detrimental; seeds need air to live

Direct Sowing
• Seeds should be buried 2 times their narrowest dimension and covered with finely raked soil or vermiculite unless otherwise noted
• Some varieties can take over a month to germinate so mark your rows, keep them moist, and for larger seeds like sunflowers, use bird netting


Transplanting
• Sow 5-6 weeks prior to anticipated transplant date
• If seeds need darkness, cover with 2 sheets of newspaper or plastic, remove upon the first signs of germination
• We recommend feeding your seedlings Age Old Grow, diluted to 1/4 strength

Insects & Disease
• Early watering and good weed control will generally alleviate most problems
• Pyrethrin will control most insects

Harvest & Storage
• For fresh-cut flowers: Harvest in the morning when flowers are their freshest and petals are just opening
• Cut with a clean knife that has been dipped in a solution of 10% household bleach
• A few drops of bleach in the vase will prolong their beauty

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