Papaver somniferum 'Hungarian Blue'
opium poppy
This heirloom variety was originally grown for its seed, but its flowers soon caught the gardener's eye. Despite its name, the flowers of Papaver somniferum 'Hungarian Blue' are more purple than blue, but they are exquisite, opening from bud like crumpled silk, and then quickly forming generous bowl-shaped flowers. After the petals fall, what remains is an attractive seedpod, which can later be harvested for dried arrangements.
Please note that while the rest of the plant is harmful if eaten, the poppy seeds collected from the dried, decorative seedpods are edible for baking, or adding flavour to curries and salads.
Please note that while the rest of the plant is harmful if eaten, the poppy seeds collected from the dried, decorative seedpods are edible for baking, or adding flavour to curries and salads.
How to care for Papaver somniferum Hungarian Blue:
These poppies tend to resent root disturbance, so plant or sow them in situ. If you don't want them to self-seed, then remove the spent flowerheads after the petals fall. If however you'd like another batch of self-sown seedlings in subsequent years, leave the seedheads intact, and when the seed has ripened, give them a gentle shake to spread their contents. When watering, avoid the 'little and often' approach, but when the soil becomes dry, water thoroughly so it can really soak in.
Sowing instructions:
Sow shallowly, directly into a well prepared bed in spring, or (for an earlier display the following year) late summer to early autumn. Water well and as the seedlings appear, thin them out to 30cm (12in) intervals keeping just the healthiest and most robust ones to develop.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
