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Papaver Somniferum

About Papaver Somniferum

Opium poppies are erect annuals in the Papaveraceae family. It is illegal to grow them in North Carolina, but it is legal to sell and buy the seeds. Garden poppy species may or may not contain opium alkaloids. Pet and children should not sample the poppy seeds as they are poisonous.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Papaver somniferum

Genus

Papaver

Family

Papaveraceae

Order

Ranunculales

Also known as

Opium Poppy, Opium Poppy and Breadseed poppy

How to care for Papaver Somniferum

💦 Water

How often to water your Papaver Somniferum

Papaver Somniferum needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Opium Poppy in your home

Papaver Somniferum love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Papaver Somniferum does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Papaver Somniferum in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Papaver Somniferum

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Papaver Somniferum: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Papaver Somniferum after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

What's the best grow lights for tasmanian poppies. I've been trying to grow these for YEARS! I can get them to sprout in two days. But after that.... It's way too hot for them to grow outside. Inside there's not enough light so they grow week and small #OpiumPoppy

Browse #OpiumPoppy

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Papaver Somniferum is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

Benefits of Growing Opium Poppy →

Common Opium Poppy Problems →

💦 Water Needs

Papaver Somniferum prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Opium Poppy Water Frequency →

Opium Poppy Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Papaver Somniferum requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Opium Poppy Light Requirements →

Opium Poppy Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Papaver Somniferum is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Papaver Somniferum is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

🪴 Soil

Papaver Somniferum does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Opium Poppy →

When and How to Successfully Repot Opium Poppy →

💩 Fertilizer

Papaver Somniferum grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Opium Poppy →

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Papaver Somniferum grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

How and When to Prune Opium Poppy →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Papaver Somniferum can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Opium Poppy Temperature Tolerance →

🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Papaver Somniferum can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.