Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) Papaver somniferum
Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) (Papaver somniferum) is an annual flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family, native to Uncertain, probably the western Mediterranean; cultivated since the Neolithic. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 20–35 cm (8–14 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–35 cm (8–14 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds |
| Native to | Uncertain, probably the western Mediterranean; cultivated since the Neolithic |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇳 India, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: latex, unripe seed heads, stems, leaves
The milky latex contains morphine, codeine and other opium alkaloids. Ripe culinary seed is eaten worldwide but can carry traces of them.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Opium poppy (breadseed poppy)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Opium poppy (breadseed poppy)
- How far apart should I plant Opium poppy (breadseed poppy)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–35 cm (8–14 in).
- Does Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Opium poppy (breadseed poppy)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks.
- Is Opium poppy (breadseed poppy) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people severely toxic. The milky latex contains morphine, codeine and other opium alkaloids. Ripe culinary seed is eaten worldwide but can carry traces of them.
- What grows well with Opium poppy (breadseed poppy)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Opium poppy (breadseed poppy). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- A hardy annual: sow where it is to flower in autumn or early spring, thin the seedlings, and let some plants set seed.
- Glaucous, cabbage-like leaves and silky flowers followed by the pepper-pot seed heads that flower arrangers dry. It resents transplanting. Growing it is restricted or illegal in some countries, so check the law where you live.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Field poppy Papaver rhoeas
- Bleeding heart Lamprocapnos spectabilis
- California poppy Eschscholzia californica
- Oriental poppy Papaver orientale
- Himalayan blue poppy Meconopsis betonicifolia
- Matilija poppy Romneya coulteri
- Arctic poppy Papaver radicatum
- Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis