Poppy (lat. Papaver somniferum) also known as opium poppy, garden poppy, tame poppy is a species of flowering plant from the Papaveraceae family. The poppy is an annual plant that grows up to about 100 cm. The plant looks smooth and is grayish-green in color. The flowers are up to 30 – 100 mm in diameter, usually with four white, burgundy or red petals, sometimes with dark spots at the base, while the fruit resembles a rounded capsule.
It is believed that the indigenous people of Western and Central Europe started growing poppies between 6000 and 3500 BC. However, it is believed that this plant also originates from the Sumerian people, because it was then that the first use of opium was recorded.
The poppy is often grown in gardens for its attractive appearance, but it is also used for many other purposes – for the production of latex and opium, the main precursor to narcotic and analgesic opiates such as morphine, heroin and codeine.
Poppy seeds are rich in oil, carbohydrates, calcium and protein. Poppy seed oil is often used as cooking oil, salad dressing or in products such as margarine. Poppy products are also used for the production of various paints, varnishes and even cosmetics.
Types of poppies
There are many different types of poppies, the most famous of which are: garden poppy, field poppy, oriental poppy, Icelandic poppy, yellow rock poppy, California poppy and Iranian poppy.
Garden poppy
Garden poppy (lat. Papaver somniferum is a plant that produces poppy seeds from which opium is made. The seeds of this plant are also used in cooking to prepare various types of cakes. The poppy is popular in gardening because of its attractive flowers of vivid colors (white, pink, orange, red and blue).
This species is grown as an agricultural crop for one of three main purposes. The first is to produce seeds that are eaten by humans, known as poppy seeds. The second is the production of opium for use mainly in the pharmaceutical industry. The third is the creation of other alkaloids, mainly thebaine and oripavine, which the pharmaceutical industry processes into drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.
Polish poppy
Polish poppy (wild poppy, lat. Papaver rhoeas). It is an annual plant whose gray-green stems are upright, and the leaves are ovate and covered with hairs. The flowers are quite large (up to 10 cm in diameter), very showy and slightly bent. The most common are dark red and light red colors, and white colors can sometimes be found.
It grows in fields, roadsides and meadows. Black seeds are edible and can be consumed as an ingredient in bread. The petals contain a red dye that is used in some medicines and wines. In traditional folk medicine, field poppy was used for gout and pain. The petals were used to prepare a syrup that was given to children, which would help them fall asleep easier and faster.
Oriental poppy
The oriental poppy (lat. Papaver orientale) initially produces leaves that have tiny hairs on them and look as if they have been shredded. So it just gathers energy until mid-summer, when it starts to bloom. After flowering, the leaves completely wither. Plants that mature later can be placed nearby to fill the resulting gap.
This species is also an annual plant and the colors of the petals can vary. Most often we can see pink petals, orange, red, white, yellow and even purple colors. The central part of the flower is often dark blue.
Oriental poppies usually thrive in soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 in partial shade or full sun. The seeds are sown after the frost has passed, and when the average daily temperature is about 21°C at a depth of about one centimeter or less, because light can stimulate germination. Oriental mako does not tolerate transplanting or excessive watering well.
Icelandic poppy
Icelandic poppy (lat. Papaver nudicaule) is a perennial plant, which is often grown as a biennial, depending on the climate, and produces large and slightly transparent bowl-shaped flowers. These fragile and fragrant flowers are located on curved stems, which spring from a bush with blue-green leaves, the length of which can vary from 3 – 15 cm. You can see petals in shades of yellow, orange, pink, cream and white. However, there are also two-colored varieties.
Yellow stonecrop
Yellow poppy (Welsh poppy, lat. Papaver cambricum, synonym Meconopsis cambrica). The natural habitat of this plant is moist and rocky areas. The plant can grow between 30 – 60 cm. It blooms between May and July. The flower is extremely yellow or orange in color with four petals. It reproduces easily from numerous tiny black seeds that ripen during the summer, in long ribbed capsules, and is grown as a garden plant.
California poppy
The California poppy (lat. Eschscholzia californica) is grown here exclusively as an ornamental plant and originates from California, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. This plant can grow up to 150 cm in height. It is characterized by rather large flowers with four petals that can be yellow or orange in color. California poppy only likes a warm climate, so it is best to sow it early in the spring directly on the ground, because the plant does not like any disturbance of the roots.
Iranian poppy
Iranian poppy (Persian poppy, lat. Papaver bracteatum) is a hardy and hardy perennial poppy with large, deep red flowers up to 20 cm in diameter, located on sturdy stems up to 1.2 m high, highlighted by black spots near the base of the petals. As a species, it is very close to the most commonly grown oriental poppy.
This species is cultivated to produce thebaine, which is converted into codeine and semi-synthetic opiates, including hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphane. Papaver bracteatum does not contain morphine, codeine or other intoxicating alkaloids in significant quantities.
Planting poppies
One-year and two-year poppies are usually grown from seed. One-year-old poppies should be sown directly on well-prepared soil. The soil needs to be prepared by removing weeds. Previously, the soil should be watered a little, if possible with a sprinkler, so that it does not sink and remains loose. Then scatter the seeds on the surface or 1 cm below the soil surface at a distance of about 40 cm.
Planting time
Poppy seeds are sown in spring, early summer or fall, in a place designated for poppy seeds. It is necessary to emphasize that the poppy must be sown directly in the place where it will grow and bear fruit, because it does not tolerate any disturbance of the roots, which could occur during the transplanting of the plant.
Planting from seeds
Growing poppies from seed can be said to be a relatively simple process. It is necessary to choose a suitable place for planting (to have enough sun). The seeds are planted directly on the ground on already slightly moistened soil, so that the wind does not blow them away. It is also necessary to ensure that the seeds are planted at a distance of about half a meter, so that the plants do not disturb each other during growth. It is recommended to plant it in early spring, after frost, in order to achieve the best results.
Planting by dividing the roots
Although the root of the poppy is extremely sensitive to any disturbance, it can be planted by dividing the root of the original plant and thus multiplying. It is safest to divide the root in autumn and return it to the ground, so that it has enough time to recover until spring, because if the root is divided in spring and planted then, it is most likely that it will not flower at all.
Planting in containers
It could be said that growing poppies indoors is only for those who like a challenge. Poppies are rarely planted in containers because they do much better outdoors and in the garden.
Perennial species need a dormancy cycle, which the seasons provide, and which a closed space cannot fully provide. If you are growing poppies indoors, use small peat pots and plant more seeds to increase the likelihood that the seeds will germinate.
Ground
Poppies will grow in most soils, but for best results they should be planted in well-drained soil that is exposed to full sun. They thrive in alkaline, acid or neutral soil
One way to check soil drainage: Start by digging holes about 10 cm deep. Fill the hole with water, let it dry completely, then fill it a second time. If the soil needs more than 4 hours to absorb water, it is advisable to look for another place to plant the poppy.
Cultivation of poppies
Poppies require very little care, whether sown from seed or by root division. Once you successfully grow poppies, you will likely have enough seed to plant new poppies year after year.
Stacking of precultures
For planting poppies in winter, make sure that early season pre-crops (crops that are harvested earlier) have been planted on the ground beforehand. The best pre-crops are root crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, tobacco, sunflowers, soybeans and corn (choose those harvested earlier) and grain legumes such as broad beans, beans and sweet peas. For winter poppy, pre-cultures that are harvested earlier should be provided.
Along with poppies, you can plant perennials that have broad leaves, such as buzulnik or trillium, or spring plants such as violets.
Watering
It is best to use a sprinkler for watering, and it is not advisable to water from a hose. Poppy plants can rot in waterlogged soil, so water only when the soil is dry. Usually, poppies need to be watered only once every few days. Increase the amount of water when watering on the hottest days, or if the poppy turns brown. Avoid watering plants in the early afternoon, especially in sunny weather. Heated water can damage the leaves and can evaporate before it is absorbed.
Fertilization
Fertilize only if necessary. If you want to speed up growth or if your soil is poor, you can add fertilizer after the poppy stems are at least 13 cm tall.
Propagation
In the wild, poppies reproduce quickly by wind blowing their seeds.
Maintenance and care
Although it is a good idea to remove weeds, young poppy plants are small and can easily be uprooted accidentally with weeds. It is best to wait until the plant is established.
Pruning and shaping
Remove the excess poppy stems. Once the plants are about 2.5–5 cm tall, cut smaller or weaker plants with garden shears. Keep each remaining plant at least 15 cm (preferably about 40 cm) apart to give them the best chance for healthy growth and flowering. Do not pull out the stems as this may disturb the roots of the neighboring poppy. Remove the wilted flowers to make the poppy bloom again. Removing wilted flowers will encourage the plant to continue blooming all summer.
Harvesting poppies
The poppy usually blooms in early summer. After the delicate petals begin to fall, a pod develops containing hundreds of tiny black seeds that are edible. You can check whether the pods are ripe by shaking the stem. If the pods rattle, that’s a good indication that it’s time to harvest. This is usually 80 to 90 days after planting.
Drying and storage
To save the seeds for the next season, dry them for several weeks in a container outdoors. Then put the seeds in a glass container with a lid. The delicious seeds will retain their flavor for up to a year if the glass container is kept in a cool, dry and dark place. Breeding seeds should be planted the following year for best results.
Diseases and pests
Poppies are most often attacked by poppy blight and black spot diseases, and the pests are the gray poppy weevil and the rutabaga beetle.
Poppy blight
Poppy blight is caused by Peronospora arborescens. Symptoms of the disease are different depending on the stage of plant development and the time of infection. Young leaves are usually deformed, and infected pods do not produce opium resin. This disease penetrates the roots through spores, and also infects the leaves. The fungus causes hypertrophy and curvature of the stem and flower. Symptoms are chlorosis and twisting of affected tissues with necrotic spots. The surface under the leaf is covered with hairy mold that contains conidiospores that spread the infection, which further leads to damage and wilting of the plants.
They are transmitted by infected remains and seeds. Chemical treatments are carried out in critical stages of plant development, after germination, before flowering or ripening, after rain and in wet conditions. Fungicides that can be used are those based on azoxystrobin (0.75 l/ha), cymoxanil + famoxadin (0.4 kg/ha), propineb (1.5 – 2 kg/ha) and others.
Black spotting
Black spotting is caused by Pleospora calvescens. On older plants, the symptoms are best seen on the leaves, where dark brown or large spots appear between the veins. Similar, only more elongated spots may appear on the stem. Wet and warm weather is suitable for the development of the disease. The first symptoms can be observed on young, newly germinated plants that are drying. It is one of the most harmful poppy diseases. Poppy plants can be infected at all stages of development. In late infections, spots also appear on the cocoons. The fungus is transmitted by infected plant debris and seeds. Chemical treatment is carried out with flutriofol-based fungicides (at a dose of 0.25 – 0.5 l/ha), etc.
Gray poppy tap
This insect is oval in shape, 3 – 5 mm long, ash gray in color. The upper surface of the body is covered with scales and hairs. There are 3 longitudinal white stripes on the neck of the shield. There are white spots on the bottom of the cover.
Since the poppy does not bloom evenly, the treatment should be carried out in the late afternoon or evening, after the end of the bee flight, and with the use of insecticides that are harmless to beneficial insects. Insecticides based on dialips, phosalone, endosulfan, and deltamethrin are recommended.
Rude bug
The eggs of this insect are blue-white or yellowish. The imago (the last stage of insect development) overwinters and appears in early spring, as early as March. It damages poppy pods. The adult beetle is black, has white hairs and is about 10 mm long.
Control is carried out with the use of the same insecticides as for control of the gray poppy pipe. The control is carried out if possible before the beginning of poppy flowering.
The use of poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are quite a popular spice and food additive around the world. Poppy seeds contain small amounts of morphine and codeine, which are painkillers still used today. Poppy seeds can also be non-narcotic, because when picked twenty days after the flower has opened, morphine is no longer present.
Poppy in cooking
Poppy has been used in cooking since ancient times, and in our region it is one of the ingredients that make up traditional dishes, from gibanica and poppy seeds, and all that to various pastries sprinkled with poppy seeds. They can be used ground or whole, and we put them in salty and sweet dishes. The nutritional value of the poppy is extremely valuable because it is rich in magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, calcium and manganese, as well as vitamin B, unsaturated fatty acids and fiber that are good for digestion.
The taste of poppy seeds is moderately sweet with a certain spicy note, and we especially like to put it in dishes because it contributes to the crunchiness. Cold-pressed oils are also made from poppy seeds, which can be found in all health food stores today. We most often use it in the preparation of desserts made from dizanode dough, such as poppy seeds, poppy seed rolls and pastries.
Italians often use it in toppings for gnocchi and pasta and for sprinkling focaccia, while Americans love it as a sprinkle on the popular bagel pastry and in lemon muffins, and Indians use it not only for adding flavor to dishes, but also for thickening sauces.
If you are not a fan of yeast dough, poppy seeds can be toasted on a pan and added to salads and pastas for a more aromatic and interesting taste, or mixed into mayonnaise or mustard.
In terms of nutrition, don’t neglect it in your kitchen.
Poppy in medicine
Poppy seeds contain minerals such as calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium and zinc. In fact, the manganese in poppy seeds even helps with collagen production.
If you suffer from joint pain and swelling, apply a paste made from poppy seeds to the affected area to ease the pain, and the zinc in the seeds boosts your immunity.
It is also used for the production of alkaloids, mainly thebaine and oripavine, which the pharmaceutical industry processes into drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone.
History and curiosities
Drawings of the opium poppy have been found in ancient Sumerian artifacts (around 4000 BC). The production and use of opium was known to the ancient Minoans. Its juice was later called opion by the ancient Greeks, which is still its name today (opium).
Wars were even fought over this plant. The first and second opium wars between China, the British Empire, and France took place in the late 1830s to early 1860s, when the Chinese tried to prevent Western traders from selling and later smuggling opium into their country from large crops grown in India. The British, in particular, ran a large trade deficit, and the sale of British-owned Indian opium helped balance the situation.
The poppy has long been used as a symbol of sleep and death: sleep due to the opium extracted from the poppy, and death due to its blood-red color. In Greco-Roman myths, the poppy was used as a gift to the dead, but also as an emblem on tombstones to denote eternal sleep. They also used that symbolism in The Wizard of Oz. An image of magical fields of poppies, dangerous because they made anyone who crossed them sleep forever. Another meaning and use of the poppy in Greco-Roman myths is a symbol of bright crimson, meaning the promise of resurrection after death.
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