Argemone Species, Devil's Fig, Flowering Thistle, Mexican Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Yellow Thistle
Argemonemexicana

Family: Papaveraceae (pa-pav-er-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Argemone (AR-ge-mon-ee)
Species: mexicana (meks-sih-KAY-nuh)

Synonym:Argemone mexicana var. leiocarpa

Category
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Velvet/Fuzzy

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Scarify seed before sowing
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds