Annuals Dictionary: Papaver
Poppy family
Papaveraceae
Pap-a’ver. The true poppies comprise a genus of about 50 species of herbs found mostly in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia and a few in w. North America.
Description
Leaves basal, generally many, usually deeply segmented and hairy. Flowers solitary, on a long slender stalk, nodding when in bud, but straightening as the flower opens. Calyx of 2 sepals, which fall when the petals open. Corolla of 5 petals, vividly colored red, violet, yellow, or white, sometimes blotched at the base. Stamens numerous. If cut or broken, plant exudes a milky substance.
How to Grow
Because poppies do not transplant well, sow seeds where plants are to remain or start indoors in peat pots. Where winters are mild, sow outdoors in fall or very early spring. Elsewhere, start seeds indoors in midwinter and plant out when seedlings are a good size. They prefer cool weather.
Papaver nudicaule
Iceland Poppy . To 12 in. (30 cm) high. Flowers fragrant, 1-3 in. (2.5-7.5 cm) wide, yellow, orange, reddish, or white, petals 4 or 8. Many cultivars, some with double blossoms. Arctic regions south to Colorado, Eurasia. One of the more difficult poppies to grow but a favorite for winter and early spring color in Calif., warm Southwest, and Deep South. Perennial grown as a half-hardy annual.
Papaver Rhoeas
Corn Poppy ; Flanders Poppy . To 3 ft. (90 cm) high. Stems branching and wiry. Flowers red, deep purple, scarlet, or occasionally white, 2 in. (5 cm) wide, petals 4. Europe and Asia, naturalized in North America. The Shirley Poppy came from this species and has become a great garden favorite. Hardy annual.
Papaver somniferum
Opium Poppy . 3-4 ft. (90-120 cm) high. Flowers often double, white, pink, red, or purple, 3-4 in. (7.5-10.0 cm) wide, petals sometimes fringed. Greece and the Orient. The juice of the unripe pod yields opium, the production of which is illegal in the U.S. Hardy annual.