Poppy

Field poppy

The field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) belongs to the poppy family and is native to Asia, and is common throughout Europe and northern Africa. It is an annual plant that can be found in fields, meadows and ruderal areas, where it is treated as a weed. The red flower of the poppy is the national symbol of Poland and we find numerous references to it in folklore. Depending on the variety, poppies find uses in food industry, medicine, floristics, among others. Some, such as the medical poppy, due to its high morphine content, are banned from cultivation in Poland. Poppy fruiting bodies, i.e. round poppy seeds filled with ripe seeds set in motion, resemble a rattle. Their aesthetic qualities are valued in floristry, they are great material for dry bouquets in idyllic climates.

Field poppy - plant characteristics

Field poppy grows up to 90 cm. On long, heavily hairy stalks grow gray-green leaves. At the top of the stalk, flowers grow singly, the buds of which also have distinct hairs. The poppy flower consists of four delicate petals of an intense red color (in other varieties we can still meet white, purple, orange). Due to its thin stem and large inflorescence with a diameter of 5-10 cm, it tends to overhang. Inside the poppy we can find a characteristic black spot at the base of each petal, the pistil is surrounded by numerous purple stamens. After flowering, it transforms into a poppy - a gray-green seed pouch 1-2 cm long and spherical in shape, at the top it has a star-like tip. It is filled with ripe seeds, from which poppy oil is extracted, which has medicinal properties. Some substances found in the field poppy can be poisonous.

Field poppy - occurance & cultivation

The field poppy is native to Asia, its very low growth requirements made it spread easily in Europe and northern Africa. In Poland it settled thousands of years ago, it is common in meadows, ruderal areas and fields, where, growing among cereals, it is treated as a weed. Despite the fact that the field poppy is common and spreads easily, we can also find it in cultivation and home gardens. It is an undemanding plant. It likes a sunny position, permeable, fairly dry soil with high nitrogen content. Field poppy should be sown directly into the ground in March, the flowering period is May - August. Remember that poppy seeds may not rise in the first year. They have the ability to survive in the ground for a long time - up to 40 years. After the poppies appear, you can proceed to cut them and then dry them using the herbal method for about 14 days.

Field poppy - uses - from medicines to floristry

Poppy, due to its variety, is used in various fields. The medical variety contains morphine and other alkaloids, so it has a very strong analgesic and sedative effect, as well as psychoactive. The cultivation of the medical poppy is prohibited in Poland. Unlike the medical poppy, the field poppy does not act as a narcotic. This is because the alkaloids it contains have different properties. Field poppy seed oil is a source of calcium, oleic acid, vitamin E, has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antioxidant properties. We can often find it in cosmetics designed for sensitive skin. Blue poppy seeds are valued in the kitchen - they are added to bread, meat dishes and cakes (none of us can imagine Christmas without poppy seed ;)). However, we should remember not to overdo it in the kitchen, as it is hard to digest.

Poppy in floristics and handicrafts

Dried poppy is a sensational addition to dried bouquets for the vase. Its original shape intrigues and adds an idyllic atmosphere to bouquets. Natural poppy seeds go well with dried cereals, gypsophila, limonium. Colored poppies, such as silver or gold, are used in Christmas reeds, and pink poppies are more and more often added by brides to their bouquets. It can also cope as a stand-alone natural decoration in interiors, just put the bouquet in a simple glass vase. Poppy heads can also be found in compositions under glass and 3D paintings of dried flowers.