Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is an attractive plant with hairy, blue-green leaves from which showy, extravagant flowers emerge in summer. The flowers can be single or double, in a variety of colors including lilac, purple, white and red. Individual flowers do not last long but others follow, each producing a large seed head, which is very attractive in its own right. With the right conditions, Papaver somniferum will self-seed abundantly.
How to grow Papaver somniferum
Grow Papaver somniferum in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Allow the plants to develop seed heads after flowering to ensure they self-seed around your garden, or collect seed to sow in the spring.
