| Breadseed Poppy | |
| Papaver somniferum | |
| a.k.a. Opium Poppy |
Common ornamental and medicinal poppy having flowers in many colors, from white to yellow, red, and purple, with various shades and combinations.
Description: Plants usually grow to 2-3ft. Some strains have high alkaloid
content and can be processed into various drugs, many other strains, including
most ornamental horticulture strains contain only trace amounts of alkaloids.
This species also yields the poppy seed that is used in baking.
Hardiness: The Breadseed Poppy
is a hardy annual, surviving cool and frosty temperatures, but also growing
well in warm humid areas. Plants are sensitive to freezes and blooming
flowers sensitive to frost.
Growing Environment: Grow as an annual, although plants will overwinter
in warmer areas and bloom during the following spring and summer. Grow
in full sun.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Grown as an ornamental.
Native Range: Native to Southeastern Europe and Western Asia.