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Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.4m
Max height
Max height
0.1m
Max spread
Max spread
1 year
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Papaver somniferum
Other names
Opium poppy, White poppy, Mawseed, Mohn, Breadseed poppy, Maanzaad
Genus
Papaver Papaver
Species
P. somniferum - P. somniferum is an upright annual with toothed, wavy, heart-shaped, grey-green leaves and saucer-shaped, white or mauve flowers in summer. Flowers are followed by decorative seed capsules.
Papaver somniferum is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Flower
White, Pale-pink in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids Aphids
Downy mildew Downy mildew
General care
Pruning
Cut back spent flowerheads or leave to enjoy seed pods and enable self-seeding.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy) will reach a height of 0.4m and a spread of 0.1m after 1 year.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Meadow, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Plant in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Papaver somniferum
Other names
Opium poppy, White poppy, Mawseed, Mohn, Breadseed poppy, Maanzaad
Genus
Papaver Papaver
Species
P. somniferum - P. somniferum is an upright annual with toothed, wavy, heart-shaped, grey-green leaves and saucer-shaped, white or mauve flowers in summer. Flowers are followed by decorative seed capsules.
Native to
Mediterranean
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
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Colour
Flower
White, Pale-pink in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Cut back spent flowerheads or leave to enjoy seed pods and enable self-seeding.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy) will reach a height of 0.4m and a spread of 0.1m after 1 year.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Meadow, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Plant in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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