Papaver, Breadseed Poppy, Lettuce Leaf Poppy, Opium Poppy 'Hens and Chickens'

Papaversomniferum

Family
Papaveraceae (pa-pav-er-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Papaver (puh-PAY-ver)
Species
somniferum (som-NEE-fer-um)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Pale Pink
Lavender
Medium Purple
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Blue-Green
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Sherwood, Arkansas

Colbert, Georgia

Bolingbrook, Illinois

Ewing, Kentucky

Prospect, Kentucky

Bangor, Michigan

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
0
neutral
0
negative
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P
Westbrook, ME (Zone 5a) | November 2002 | positive

Hens and Chickens is a unique poppy with unusual seed pods. Tiny small pods form around the base of the larger mother pod. It's great for...Read More

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