Papaver Somniferum in my Garden'16

[A Gardener]

After glimpsing a little bit of the beauty of poppies from some self set papaver somniferum in my garden last year, I decided to plant a bed for this summer.

I purchased my seeds from a lovely lady at



½ teaspoon of Black Papaver Somniferum seeds. These seeds produce approximately; 50% Single Petal Lavender flowers, 5% Double Petal Lavender Peony type flowers, and 10% Single or Double Red Flowers. The rest of the mix includes the Hen and Chick variety and other opium poppy seeds I have added over the years. It is a truly spectacular mix!++

And

½ teaspoon of blue Papaver Somniferum seeds, which produce Single Petal "Hot Pink", and the huge tennis ball size Giganteum pods. These flowers are a nice pink, to light red color

And Now for the First Time Offered Get Opium Poppy Seeds In White.

¼ teaspoon of the China White opium poppy seeds. Some of the pods from this variety can get as large as an 8 year old child's fist!

I've planted them in an area chickens have been using for the past year, with some extra magic manure from a 20 year old stableyard pile. I planted a week ago, and we've had a few frosts since which I believe helps germination.



I'm really looking forward to the beauty of these poppies. I'm sure I'll enjoy relaxing in my Garden because of them. Peace All

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

i tried to grow poppies twice last year,they just whimpered away on me after about 6-8 weeks.
will be sure to keep my eye on this.

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

ive seen a sewing needle taped to a stick with just the very tip sticking out,only just cutting the surface.

 

[A Gardener]

Anybody have any good ideas for a lancing tool ???

I've seen similar to archie, 2-3 needle tips making a 'comb'.

I only had a few poppies spring up in my garden by chance last year, I enjoyed them. This year there should be lots to appreciate.

 

[lilm00re14]

I'd use a hobby knife Razor blade. It works fine. But I would just use the very tip and hold the stalk in your other hand firmly. Not sure how many plants your doing but when I had grown them they took up half the tent real quick.. I'd make tea with the heads once you're done collecting .

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

think this thread has spurred me on to giving poppies another bash

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

3 strains for me aswell black/blue somni,china white.we must be getting them from the same sweet old lady.
i made a tiny pile (50)just now and seperated the whites out and chucked the rest in a pot.am i right in thinking i dont want the china whites ? and does a white seed mean a white flower ? ahh who knows,and only one way to find out.

 

[A Gardener]

think this thread has spurred me on to giving poppies another bash

Good to hear it archie. I was under the impression you'd definitely want the China Whites, highly beautiful to the minds eye. Stick them in some dirt and we can find out eh?

 

[A Gardener]

Hi bude, PM, Peace

 

[A Gardener]

I have dug over another small bed today and also given a sprinkle to the previous so flowering period should be prolonged. Been having a few frosts and some snow so hopefully will help germination.

Going to be beautiful this Summer