Poppy, Tazmanian

Poppy, Tasmanian Poppy, Medicinal Seeds, Papaver somniferum, 200 seeds, Organic, GMO Free

Name: Tasmanian Poppy
Scientific Name: Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum is an annual herb growing to 100 cm. All parts of the plant are strongly glaucous, giving a greyish-green appearance, and the stem and leaves are sparsely covered with coarse hairs. The leaves are lobed and clasp the stem at the base. The flowers are up to 120mm diameter, normally with four white, mauve or red petals, sometimes with dark markings at the base. The fruit is a hairless, rounded capsule topped with 12–18 radiating stigmatic rays. All parts of the plant exude white latex when wounded. The annual habit in combination with stem-clasping, glaucous, glabrous (or almost so) leaves are diagnostic for the species.

Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived and is a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens. Its native range is probably the eastern Mediterranean, but is now obscured by ancient introductions and cultivation.

The opium poppy is the only species of Papaveraceae that is grown as an agricultural crop on a large scale. Other poppy species, such as Papaver rhoeas and Papaver argemone, are important agricultural weeds, and may be mistaken for the crop.
Origination: Traditionally grown in Afghanistan and New Zealand for their alkaloids.
Recommended Uses: It is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived and is a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens.
Height: 35–75 cm (14–30 in) tall
Flower Color: White and Purple
Uses: It is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived and is a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens.
Other Names: Poppy

Sowing Instructions:
Direct surface sow in fall or early spring after temperatures rise above freezing. Mix seeds in sand for easier sowing. Keep soil moist until germination. Germination in about 2 weeks. Plants prefer cool weather when young but are drought and heat tolerant when mature. If planted in fall, winter’s must be mild as heavy snow will kill plants.