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The Ribbon of Poppies is a powerful and moving campaign created by

The Veterans Charity to honour the memory of those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. Through the symbolic planting of poppies, we invite communities, individuals, schools, and organisations across the globe to create vibrant displays that stretch like a ribbon across the landscape — each poppy representing remembrance, respect, and unity whilst also helping to enhance the environment and support wildlife.

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​At its heart, The Ribbon of Poppies is a worldwide remembrance initiative. Participants are encouraged to plant poppy seeds in gardens, public spaces, school grounds, and anywhere they can grow, with the goal of creating a continuous "ribbon" of red that blooms each year in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.

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These living memorials serve not only as a poignant tribute to the fallen but also as a reminder of the enduring support for veterans and their families.

Ribbon of Poppies on A30 in Cornwall
Ribbon of Poppies at Duke of Gloucester Barracks
Ribbon of Poppies at BRNC Dartmouth
Staff at Treliske Hospital sowing a Ribbon of Poppies
Norton Manor Camp, Taunton - home to 40Cdo Royal Marines
Ribbon of Poppies created by VIVO Defence Services at Norton Manor Camp in Somerset

Norton Manor Camp, Taunton

Taking part in The Ribbon of Poppies is simple:

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  1. Get Your Seeds – Poppy seed packets are available directly from The Veterans Charity. All proceeds go towards providing immediate support for veterans in urgent need.

  2. Plant Your Patch – Whether it’s a single planter or an entire field, every contribution counts - please let us know where you have created your Ribbon of Poppies!

  3. Share Your Ribbon – Post photos of your poppies on social media using #RibbonOfPoppies and tag The Veterans Charity and Ribbon of Poppies to help spread awareness and inspire others.

  4. Educate and Reflect – Use this opportunity to engage in remembrance activities, storytelling, and community events.

Order your seeds to create a Ribbon of Poppies

🗓️ Best Time to Plant

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There are two main planting seasons:

1. Autumn (September to October)

  • Why: Mimics natural self-seeding. Seeds lie dormant over winter and germinate in early spring.

  • Ideal For: Early summer flowering the following year.

  • Best In: Warmer southern UK regions or milder winters.

2. Early Spring (March to April)

  • Why: Safer for colder climates. Seeds germinate as soil warms.

  • Ideal For: Mid-to-late summer blooms.

  • Best In: Most UK areas—guarantees flowering in time for Remembrance period.

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✅ For The Ribbon of Poppies campaign, spring planting is often the most practical for consistent blooming by July–November.

🧑‍🌾 Planting Instructions

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1. Prepare the Soil

  • Choose a sunny location with minimal foot traffic.

  • Clear away grass, weeds, or debris.

  • Do not enrich the soil—poppies prefer poor, undisturbed ground.

  • Lightly rake the surface to create a fine tilth.

2. Sow the Seeds

  • Mix seeds with dry sand to spread more evenly.

  • Broadcast the seeds thinly across the area (surface sow—do not bury).

  • Lightly press them into the soil using a board or your hands.

3. Aftercare

  • Water lightly, only if the soil is dry—overwatering may rot the seeds.

  • Protect from birds with netting if necessary.

  • Once germinated (in 2–4 weeks), thin seedlings to 10–15cm apart if overcrowded.

Please use the form below to let us know where you are creating

your Ribbon of Poppies so that we can add them to our map!

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