Papaver somniferum

Papaveraceae

Opium Poppy

Fast-growing, upright annual plant to 75cm high by 30cm wide. The leaves are grey-green, oblong and lobed. The 10cm wide, saucer-shaped, four-petalled flowers are white, red, purple or pink, typically have yellow centres and occur in summer.

Uses

Ornamental flower suitable for cottage gardens and as a bedding plant. The sap from the seed capsules is used to make the narcotic opium.

Culture

Grow in full sun in cool or temperate climates. Prefers deep, moist, well-drained soil. Frost tolerant. Propagate from seed. Self-seeds readily. Prohibited plant in many parts of the world.

Propagation

No information available at this time...

Cultivars

No information available at this time...

Plant Health

No information available at this time...

More info

Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Home Garden Expert courses are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort Courses on growing Annual plants are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort