Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, is an attractive plant with hairy, blue-green foliage from which blowsy, extravagant blooms emerge in summer. The flowers can be single or double, in a rich variety of colours including purple, mauve, white and red. Individual flowers don't last long but others follow, each producing a large seed head, which is very attractive in its own right. Given the right conditions Papaver somniferum will self-seed profusely.

How to grow Papaver somniferum

Grow Papaver somniferum in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Let plants develop seedheads after flowering to ensure they self-seed around your garden, or collect seed to sow in spring.