Papaver somniferum, opium poppy
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Annuals

Papaver somniferum

opium poppy

PapaveraceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypeAnnual
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height18–40 inches (45–100 cm)
Width9–15 inches (23–38 cm)

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Papaver somniferum, commonly called opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is a robust annual herb in the family Papaveraceae, believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, though its exact natural range is obscured by millennia of cultivation. Plants grow 18–40 inches (45–100 cm) tall with strongly glaucous (blue-gray) waxy foliage — a distinctive feature setting them apart from most other poppies. The large, clasping stem leaves are deeply lobed with wavy, toothed margins; the whole plant exudes a milky white latex when cut. Flowers 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across have four large, crinkled, silky petals in white, pink, lilac, mauve, red, and near-black, with many cultivated forms in single, semi-double, double peony-flowered, laciniatum (fringed), and pompom types. After the petals fall, the large, smooth, globe-shaped seed capsule topped with a radiating stigmatic disc is both distinctive and ornamentally attractive when dried. The species self-seeds prolifically and can maintain itself perpetually in Pacific Northwest gardens once established. The poppy seed used in cooking is entirely safe; the plant's opium alkaloids are concentrated in the unripe seed pod latex. All other parts are toxic to pets and humans. Growing the plant for ornamental and seed harvest purposes is legal; extraction of the latex for opiate production is not.

Native Range

The natural origin of Papaver somniferum is believed to be the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, though the species has been cultivated so extensively for at least 5,000 years that its precise native range is difficult to determine with certainty. It is now widely naturalized across temperate Europe, Asia, and North America as a garden escape.

Suggested Uses

Opium poppy is one of the most spectacular annuals for Pacific Northwest cottage and informal gardens, with large silky flowers in an extraordinary range of colors and forms, followed by architecturally beautiful seed capsules. Particularly effective in the cutting garden, cottage border, and in sweeps through perennial beds where the plants self-sow reliably year after year. The dried seed capsules are outstanding in winter arrangements. Combines beautifully with Allium, Salvia, Geranium, and early roses. The straight species with its single lilac-mauve flowers has particular elegance; the double peony-flowered and pompom strains are showier. Allow to self-sow for a perpetual, low-maintenance colony.

How to Identify

Opium poppy is identified by its strongly glaucous (blue-gray, waxy) stems and large, deeply lobed, clasping leaves with wavy-toothed margins — the glaucous coloring is distinctive and consistent across all forms. Flowers are 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with four crinkled, silky petals. After flowering, the large, smooth, spherical to ovoid seed capsule 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across, topped with a flat or domed disc bearing 8–18 radiating stigmatic rays, is unmistakable — no other common garden annual produces a similar capsule. The milky latex exuded from cut stems is also diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'4"
Width/Spread9" - 1'3"

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink
purple
red

Foliage Colors

blue
green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SpringSummer
Opium poppy blooms in late spring to early summer in Pacific Northwest gardens, typically May through July, with each individual flower lasting only two to three days. The profusion of flowers in an established colony provides continuous bloom over four to six weeks. In mild Pacific Northwest winters the seed germinates in autumn, overwinters as a rosette, and flowers considerably earlier (May) than spring-sown plants (June–July). Self-sown colonies blooming from overwintered seedlings are typical in established Pacific Northwest cottage gardens.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, pink, lilac, mauve, red, or near-black; four crinkled silky petals; single to double

Foliage Description

Strongly glaucous (blue-gray), waxy; deeply lobed with wavy-toothed margins; clasping on stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow seed onto the soil surface in autumn or early spring — do not cover, as light aids germination. Opium poppy resents transplanting; sow in situ. Thin seedlings to 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) apart. In Pacific Northwest gardens, autumn sowing onto bare, disturbed soil is most reliable — seedlings overwinter as small rosettes and flower two to three weeks earlier than spring-sown plants. Prefers full sun to partial shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil; excessive richness produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Allow some plants to set seed and shatter for self-perpetuating colonies. All parts except the mature seeds are toxic.

Pruning

No pruning required. Deadhead spent flowers if seed capsules are not desired and to prolong the season marginally. Leave seed heads on plants if self-seeding is wanted — the distinctive dried capsules are also excellent in floral arrangements. Remove entire plants after they set seed and begin to decline in midsummer. Self-sown seedlings emerge in autumn or spring; thin excess seedlings as needed.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

Autumn (preferred, for overwintered seedlings) or early spring on bare soil surface

Plant Spacing

9 inches