Papaver rhoeas - Corn Poppy - Seeds

Description

• Papaveraceae Ranunculales
• Europe, to North Africa and Asia
• H 0.8m x W 0.3m
•  Z5 
• Winter biennial, spring annual
• 1 bag of 100 seeds

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Details

The Poppy is a wild flower cultivated in gardens for its ornamental flowering in spring, bright red, which lasts several weeks and offers a real show

The flower is an abundant source of pollen for bees and bumblebees, who love it to feed the larvae of their colony

Poppy seed is used as a condiment in human food (breads, pastries, etc.)

It is also a source of an edible oil

The petals make a red dye and food coloring ; they are sometimes incorporated into potpourris to add a pop of dark color

They are also used in syrup and infusion

Papaver rhoeas has medicinal properties: Anticancer, Calming, Emmenagogue, Emollient, Expectorant, Hypnotic, Narcotic, Sedative, and Tonic

Unlike Papaver somniferum, papaver rhoeas does not induce addiction

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Cultivation

The seeds can be sown in spring, as early as possible, but it is better to sow them in autumn, from the end of September when the rains come, so that the plant establishes its roots and its vegetation, therefore is vigorously ready for its spring flowering

As the seed is very tiny, it should not be buried, but sprinkled over a clean, loosened soil, well damp, then lightly tamped

Young plants tolerate winter frosts

In fertile soil, the Poppy tends to grow excessive vegetation and when flowering comes, the stems will collapse if they are not staked

The Poppy gives a more spectacular flowering in moderately fertile soil

It is essential to give it a location in full sun

If it thrives in your garden, it will naturalize provided you let it make seeds

It is a remarkable wildflower that is best left to thrive in uncultivated areas of the garden, or can be planted in a mix of flowers to give an airy character