Opium poppy
Papaver somniferum · Papaveraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant opium poppy: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to July
- Adult size
- 60 to 150 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Annual, sow in autumn or spring
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and South-West Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
- Exposure
- Full sun
Care
Watering
Water moderately after seedling emergence, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings. Once established, opium poppy tolerates drought well and requires little water. Avoid excessive moisture which promotes fungal diseases.
Light Exposure
Choose a location in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This exposure encourages generous flowering and sturdy stems.
Soil Preparation
Prepare well-drained soil, preferably slightly alkaline. Enrich with compost before planting. Avoid heavy or clay soils that retain water and may cause rot.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer at sowing time or during planting. A single application is usually sufficient for an annual. Avoid excessive nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
No pruning is necessary. You can remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. At season's end, leave the seed pods on the plant if you wish to collect seeds.
Pests and Diseases
Opium poppy is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew and rot in case of excessive humidity. Aphids may occasionally appear: treat if needed with a natural insecticide. Good drainage prevents most problems.
Did you know?
Opium poppy is one of the oldest medicinal plants known, mentioned in ancient Sumerian and Egyptian texts. Its properties fascinated civilizations for millennia, and it remains a plant of major historical interest. In the ornamental garden, its large delicate flowers with silky petals offer an ephemeral and poetic beauty that has inspired artists and poets since Antiquity.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Bleeding heartLamprocapnos spectabilis
- Corydalis flexuosaCorydalis flexuosa
- California poppyEschscholzia californica
- Solid-bulbed corydalisCorydalis solida
- Climbing corydalisCeratocapnos claviculata
- BloodrootSanguinaria canadensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.