Oilseed poppy

Papaver somniferum

Also known as Common poppy, Opium poppy, Breadseed poppy

Native Plants · Poppy · Flowering · Ornamental · Self-Seeding · Annual · Cottage Garden · Cut Flower · Medicinal · Seed Pod · Colorful Blooms

Opium poppy is an easy-to-grow annual that self-seeds freely, producing stunning blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white in late spring to early summer. Sow seeds directly in the garden in fall or early spring, as they require a cold period to germinate well. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming or leave seed heads to dry for ornamental use and natural reseeding.