Papaver Cultivation

Papavers, the scientific name for poppies, are easily grown from seeds planted directly in gardens or started inside and transplanted.

Papavers are a genus of poppies that include dozens of varieties, ranging from the colorful oriental poppy to the narcotic opium poppy. The easily grow from seeds sown directly in gardens or started inside. They prefer full sun, cool weather and a well-draining soil.

Fundamentals

Poppies come in a variety of colors, including white and black.

Papavers---poppies---are one of the world's most popular garden flowers, according to Garden Hobbies. Their bright colors and hardiness make them common plants in flowerbeds, rock gardens and borders, as well as in containers or window gardens. They grow wild in many areas of the world, including North America, Europe and Asia, according to Garden Hobbies. Cultivated poppy varieties include annual and perennial varieties.

Poppies come in a wide variety of colors, even black, according to the Gardener's Network. Poppies grow to 1 to 2 feet in height, producing a profusion of long-lasting flowers within 65 to 90 days of planting.

Cultivation

Papaver varieties prefer full sun or partial shade.

Poppy seeds can be sown directly into a garden after the threat of frost has passed or started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, according to Gardener's Network. If started indoors, allow ample room for root growth to make transplanting easier.

Most poppies germinate within two weeks. Oriental poppies do not handle transplanting well and are better sown directly in a garden or container.

When planted outside, poppies prefer full sun to partial shade and grow well in most types of soil. They tolerate drought better than many other ornamental flowers, according to Gardener's Network. Poppy plants should be spaced about a foot to 18 inches apart. Mulching around the plants will help reduce weed growth. Fertilize once a month to promote growth, according to Gardener's Network.

Perennial varieties benefit from a thick protective layer of mulch during winter months, according to Poppies International.

Seeds

Seeds can be harvested from dried pods and stored for later use or planting.

Deadheading---snipping off dead flowers to produce more blossoms---will keep the poppy plant blooming for months. Deadheading should not occur if the seeds are to be harvested, according to Garden Hobbies.

To harvest poppy seeds, allow the flower to die and dry on the stem, leaving only the large seed pod attached. Cut off the seed pods and spread them on a flat surface to dry completely, according to Garden Hobbies. Once dry, split the pods open and gather the seeds. Store the seeds in a dry place for planting in the spring or other uses.

Other Uses

Poppy seeds have many culinary uses, especially in baking.

Poppy seeds are popular in baking, most commonly for breads and cookies. The seeds also are a common ingredient in commercial bird food. Dried seed pods left on stems are popular in dried flower arrangements.

Some poppy varieties are used to make narcotics, including codeine, morphine and opium for medicinal or illicit purposes.

Warning

Papaver Somniferum, the opium poppy, has been used for centuries as a painkiller, muscle relaxant and as an intoxicant, according to Poppies International. Growing opium poppies is illegal in the United States and several other countries. Purchasing opium poppy seeds with the intent to produce narcotics also is illegal in the United States.

References

• Gardener's Network: How to Grow Poppy Flower Plants
• Garden Hobbies: How to Grow Poppies