Opium Poppies

Papaver somniferum, aka ‘Opium Poppy’

I will admit to an unhealthy obsession with opium poppies. Their ethereal beauty and delicacy cause my heart to go thumpy whumpy (as famously declared by The Cat in The Hat). Early in my gardening career, I tried growing perennial oriental poppies without much success, It seemed like I would wait forever for one or two buds to open, with the big reveal always happening when I was away for the day or on vacation. Their blooms would literally last for less than 24 hours, leaving behind an unsightly mess of hairy foliage. So disappointing.

When I discovered the annual papaver somniferum and had early success growing them from seed, I became hooked. Also known as ‘Hungarian’ poppies and ‘breadseed’ poppies, they are super easy to grow from seed and make such an enchanting addition to the mixed border. Poppies need a period of cold (stratification) and prefer to be direct sown in late winter, but since my spring cleanup is so late, I utilize the winter seed sowing method. Seedlings are very carefully separated in late April or early May when only about 1” tall and planted directly into the garden. This method enables me to plant them exactly where they will add the most visual impact to the plant community. As long as root systems aren’t disturbed too much, seedlings will quickly establish and double in size in just a week.

Foliage develops into a waxy, glaucous blue which then fades and browns by end of July. I typically cut back foliage, but leave seed heads to ripen for later harvesting.

• Plant type: annual, native southeastern Europe and Western Asia

• Seed Sowing: direct sow in late winter or in pots for winter seed sowing

• Growing Conditions: full to part sun

• Size: reaches 40" in height;

• Spread: clumping, reseeding

• Bloom: June, July

• Biodiversity: attracts bees & butterflies

• Pairings: salvia, yarrow, red valerian

• Location: weave through mixed border

• BOLO: aphids and powdery mildew

For more information on growing various types of annual and perennial poppies, check out this great article from Fine Gardening!

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