Papaver Somniferum (Opium Poppy) Seeds

Papaver somniferum was cultivated in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeological evidence and fossilized Papver somniferum seeds suggest that Neanderthal man may have used the opium poppy over thirty thousand years ago. The first known written reference to Papaver somniferum poppies appears in a Sumerian text dated around 4,000 BC. The flower was known as hul gil, plant of joy. It has also been variously called the Sacred Anchor Of Life, Milk Of Paradise, the Hand Of God, and Destroyer Of Grief.

From the poppies mid-Eastern orgins, its use had spread throughout Europe by 2000 B.C. and by the 8th century AD Papaver somniferum was widely cultivated in Arabia, India and China. seed

Opium poppy flower pods grow from a lettuce-like base, atop a single stalk, somtimes over 4 feet tall. The flowers are beautiful and grace gardens world-wide. The pods are very popular in dried flower arrangements, and the seeds are commonly used in baking. We are happy to offer the following varieties of Papaver somniferum:

Papaver Somniferum var. Gignteum (Giant Opium Poppy)

Arguably the largest producer of seeds of any member of the poppy family due to its GIGANTIC pods! This is a popular strain for those who want to yield as many seeds as possible per plant. We have seen this variety produce 4 foot tall, tennis ball sized pods with flowers measuring 7 1/2" accross! A world wide favorite.

Papaver Somniferum var. Hens and Chicks (Hens and Chicks)

These are second in size only to the Giganteums. This variety has a central large pod, with "baby pods" surrounding it. Extremely high seed yielding poppy! One of our most popoluar sellers.

Papaver somniferum var. album (Peshawar Poppy, White Poppy, Persian White)

This is a very high alkaloid producing cultivar with large Elongated pods originally found in the Peshwar region of Afghanistan! These seeds are unmistakably white, and produce white flowers with ruffled edges. This is an early flowering strain!

Papaver somniferum var. Summit

High alkaloid producing, very large podded cultivar that features beautiful violet streaking on the petals!

Papaver somniferum var. Zahir

A popular commercially cultivated poppy that is easy to grow and tollerates most soil and weather conditions.

Meconopsis betonicifolia (Himalayan Blue Poppy)

While outside of the papaver genus, the Himalayan blue poppy is striking member of the papavercae family. These elusive, mystical poppies grow between Western China and the Himalayas. The beutiful color of this poppy comes with a price; it is a little harder to grow than other poppies. This poppy does not like direct sunlight so be sur eto plant them in a shaded location.

Papaver Dubium (Greek Red Poppy, long headed poppy, the flower of dreams)

Traditionally known by the ancient greeks as "the flower of dreams". This variety produces long slender pods with orange to red flowers. It is commonly reffered to as the long headed poppy. A true classic.

Papaver Rhoeas (Red Poppy, Corn Poppy)

The red or corn poppy, Papaver Rhoeas, grows in abundance in the European hillsides. It is easy to distinguish, growing approximately 12"-14" tall, having a hariy stem, and it's bright red petals. It is commonly found growing near agricultural crops, hence the names "corn poppy" and "field poppy". This poppy has traditionally been employed as a sedative by herbalists for centuries.

Papaver Somniferum var.Tazmanian Whites (Tazzies)

A commercially cultivated variety with medium sized pods with a violet basal spot which fades into white petals.

Papaver paeonyflorum Black Peony

Large fully double flowers in the darkest purple-maroon. Hardy annual to 3 feet. Germinates in 1 week.

Papaver s. Single Lilac

Large single lilac flowers and medium-sized pods. Hardy annual to 30". Nice. Germinates in 1 week at cool temperatures.

Papaver orientale 'Beauty of Livermere'

A really exuberant oriental poppy, with sumptuous, large pillar-box red flowers in early summer and downy, mid green leaves. The silky tissue-paper petals of this tall, strong-stemmed poppy are splashed with black and each flower has a dark, velvety centre. Although the flowers of all oriental poppies are ephemeral, they are easy to grow, bring a zing to any planting scheme and each plant will produce several flowers. It cut back after flowering, they may even produce a second flush. Plant in a sunny border, alongside grasses or late summer-flowering perennials, such as dahlias, which will provide interest when the plant has died back.

Papaver s. Danebrog

The classic poppy that will make a spectacular display in any garden. Single scarlet flowers with fringed petals and pure white cross in the centre.

Papaver nudicaulse (Iceland Poppies, San Remo)

Outstanding delicate blooms, up to 8in across. Apricot, peach, pink shades and contrasting picotees, soft cream and lemon.

Papaver paeoniflorum Peony Poppy "White Cloud"

Annual flowers. Sturdy, tall growing plants produce huge, double, 4-5 inch deeply frilled pure white blossoms.

Papaver aculeatum “South African Poppy”

This rare annual poppy has the distinction of being the only species native to South Africa.

The single flowers are orange with yellow stamens, and the whole plant is markedly bristly. It grows to 1’-2’ tall.

Yellow Horned Poppy

The large yellow flowers of the Poppy have four silky petals, which quickly drop, after which the long curved seed-pods develop, said to be the longest seed-capsule in any British plant. They can reach 30cm. Leaves are grey-green, and well-cut. They are covered with fine short hairs, which will protect the leaf surface from the salty conditions in which it lives. This plant grows in shingle or stable pebbles just above the beach.

The Yellow Horned Poppy is not very common, as the habitat is not common, and has diminished over the years.

Poppy, California (Eschscholzia californica)

Best method of growing these is to strew the seed on the surface of disturbed soil, even be it waste land, in the fall to early spring.

This is a self-seeding covercrop that flowers spring and fall. Very easy to establish.

Poppy, Prickly (Argemone munita)

Plant thrives in full sun and dry soils, making flowers that are big attractors to native pollinators. Like all poppies, these find their way into barefoot medicine, but unlike all poppies, one must be respectful of these if barefoot--the seedpods are truly prickly! This is a good warm soil germinator, and it can be helpful to soak the seeds before sowing.