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Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum
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Papaver somniferum (Papaver somniferum) — botanical photograph
Pl. F7DF — Papaver somniferum
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I

Overview

Papaver somniferum, commonly known as opium poppy, is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Algeria, Baleares, Canary Islands, Corse, France, Italy, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, and Tunisia. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible parts—leaves and seeds—it is also cultivated for ornamental purposes. Opium poppy can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and has a light energy requirement of 8 out of 10. This plant is found in regions with a temperate climate, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. While it is primarily cultivated for its edible and ornamental value, it is important to note that opium poppy is also the source of opium, a potent narcotic. Therefore, it should be handled with caution and only grown in appropriate environments.

Quick answers

What is Papaver somniferum?

Papaver somniferum, commonly known as opium poppy, is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Algeria, Baleares, Canary Islands, Corse, France, Italy, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, and Tunisia.

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Papaver somniferum support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Papaver somniferum thrives in light to partial shade and prefers a well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. It is adaptable to various soils including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types but performs best when the soil is moist. This annual plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed after the last frost. Ensure consistent moisture during the growing season for optimal leaf and seed production.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Papaver somniferum for the first time

7steps

Start with Papaver somniferum as an easy-to-grow annual, focusing on basic care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a container or garden bed.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH of 7–7.5. For containers, use a mix of light sandy, medium, or clay soil.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant after they have two sets of true leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Keep the area weed-free.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Continue regular watering, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

14 native · 130 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 14 native· 130 introduced
Europe22 regions
native (4)FranceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (18)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandNorwayPortugalRomaniaRussiaSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia21 regions
introduced (21)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaIranIraqKazakhstanLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaSouth KoreaThailandTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistanVietnamYemen
Americas6 regions
introduced (6)EcuadorGreenlandHondurasPeruUruguayVenezuela
Africa6 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (2)AngolaEthiopia
Broader regions
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Amur, Argentina Northeast, Argentina South, Arizona, Baltic States, Bermuda, British Columbia, California, Chile Central, Chile South, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Hainan, Illinois, Juan Fernández Is., Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, Newfoundland, Norfolk Is., North Carolina, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Québec, Saskatchewan, South Australia, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Texas, Transcaucasus, Tristan da Cunha, Turkey-in-Europe, Utah, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Wisconsin, Yugoslavia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Papaver somniferum (Papaver somniferum) — botanical photograph
Papaver somniferum (Papaver somniferum)
XI

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