Scientific Name: Papaver species
Height: Poppies typically grow to a height of 41-51cm or 16-20 inches. This information is crucial for planning the spacing between plants to allow them enough room to reach their full height without overcrowding.
Days to Maturity: Poppies have a relatively short maturity period of 75 days. This means that from the time of planting, it takes approximately 75 days for the plants to reach full maturity and start flowering. Understanding this timeline helps in scheduling planting times and anticipating when to expect blooms.
Sun Preference: Poppies thrive in full sun conditions. This indicates that they require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow optimally.
Plant Type: Poppies are classified as hardy annuals. Hardy annuals are plants that can withstand cooler temperatures and are typically easy to grow from seed. They are resilient and can tolerate various soil conditions, making them suitable for beginner gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
Appearance : Typically, poppy flowers have 4 to 6 petals per flower that appear crumpled at the bud and straighten out as they extend away from the bud. These flowers are known for their bright colours and striking appearance, with some species having flowers that can grow up to 15cm across. The petals of poppy flowers come in various colours such as red, yellow, orange, white, and blue, depending on the species.
Harvesting : Harvest the flowers as they are just starting to open, at checking bud phase. Some like to sear the stems for a longer vase life, but you can also place in hot water or simply in water after cutting. poppy pods can be picked green and brought inside to dry. Once the poppies have bloomed in spring, seed pods will form. It is recommended to let the pods dry in place on the plant.
Vase life : Vase life can be expected for 3-4 days.
Special Features: The red poppy, particularly the Flanders poppy, is a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who died during wartime, especially in World War I. This tradition stems from the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is known for producing opium, a substance used in the production of drugs like morphine and heroin. However, it's important to note that not all poppy varieties are used for this purpose. The seeds of some poppy species, like the opium poppy and the bread seed poppy (Papaver somniferum), are edible and commonly used in culinary dishes, especially in baking and as a garnish.
Design features: a poppy is so delicate that I would only use it as a focal flower. I would also use it as a single ingredient to really get a full grasp of its beauty.
