Pheasant’s Eye Seeds

Adonis annua ‘Pheasant’s Eye’ (commonly called Pheasant’s Eye or just Adonis) is a spring‑blooming annual native to parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region and naturalized in other temperate areas. Valued for its vivid red flowers with a dark center and delicate fern‑like foliage, it makes a striking addition to cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and mixed beds.

Give Pheasant’s Eye full sun and well‑drained soil; it tolerates a range from sandy to loamy and does best in soil that is not excessively rich or waterlogged. Good drainage is important to prevent rot. It is adaptable to average garden fertility but won’t thrive in heavy, constantly wet soils.

Seeds benefit from light to germinate, so sow them on the surface of a fine, moist seed mix rather than burying deeply. Adonis can be direct‑sown in autumn for natural cold stratification and spring emergence, or sown indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost and transplanted carefully; a cold period (several weeks) improves germination and vigor. Expect seedlings in about 7–21 days under favorable conditions.

Plants typically reach about 8–24 inches (20–60 cm) tall with a modest spread — allow roughly 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) between plants to give foliage room without crowding. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one season but self‑sowing can maintain populations year to year.

Pheasant’s Eye is primarily grown as an ornamental and is excellent for early‑season color and pollinator attraction. It can be used for short‑term cut flowers; it’s not commonly used as a long‑lasting dried bloom. Note: Adonis species contain cardiac glycosides and are considered un safe if ingested, so plant with caution around children and pets.