Contents
Description
Papaver Somniferum, also known as the Opium Poppy, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. It is an annual herb that grows up to 4 feet tall and produces large, showy flowers that can be white, pink, red, or purple. The plant is widely cultivated for its seeds, which are used in cooking, and for its latex, which is used to produce opium.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Papaver |
Appearance
The Papaver Somniferum plant has a thick stem that is covered in coarse hairs. The leaves are lobed and can be up to 12 inches long. The flowers are large and showy, measuring up to 6 inches across, and have 4 to 6 petals that are usually bright red, pink, or purple. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Papaver Somniferum, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizer should be applied every few weeks during the growing season, and the plant should be placed in full sunlight. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Papaver Somniferum plant is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and botrytis blight. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy by providing it with proper care and to monitor it regularly for signs of infestation or disease. If pests or diseases are detected, they can be treated with insecticides or fungicides as appropriate.
Habitat
Papaver Somniferum is native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia and is widely cultivated throughout the world. It grows best in temperate climates and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is commonly found in gardens and parks, as well as in fields where it is grown for its seeds and opium.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Papaver Somniferum legal to grow?
A: It depends on where you live. In some countries, it is legal to grow Papaver Somniferum for ornamental purposes, while in others it is illegal because of its potential for drug production.
Q: Can Papaver Somniferum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Papaver Somniferum can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and water.
Q: What is the best way to harvest Papaver Somniferum seeds?
A: The best way to harvest Papaver Somniferum seeds is to wait until the seed pods have dried and turned brown, then cut them from the plant and shake out the seeds.
Q: Is Papaver Somniferum poisonous?
A: The seeds of Papaver Somniferum are edible and are commonly used in cooking. However, the latex of the plant contains opium, which is a narcotic and can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
Related Plants
- Papaver orientale
- Papaver rhoeas
- Papaver nudicaule
- Papaver atlanticum
References
- The Plant List. (2013). Papaver somniferum. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2541412
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Papaver somniferum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b655
- RHS. (n.d.). Papaver somniferum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17858/Papaver-somniferum/Details
