Papaver somniferum Laciniatum Scarlet - Opium Poppy seeds

Papaver somniferum 'Scarlet' has large scarlet flower balls that shimmer under the bright summer sun. They bloom on tall stems, above beautiful green-gray-blue foliage. They are fluffy flowers with a thousand frayed petals, followed by seed heads which are very decorative in dried bouquets. Sow this vigorous and undemanding opium poppy directly in sunny flower beds.

The annual poppy 'Laciniatum Scarlet' is a horticultural variety dating back to 2019. Like all poppies, it belongs to the papaveraceae family. It comes from Papaver somniferum var. nigrum, which is found in Asian mountains, as well as in Europe, on limestone soils. This plant is probably native to the regions between the Mediterranean and Asia Minor and has given rise to a multitude of varieties cultivated for ornamental purposes for a long time. 'Laciniatum Scarlet' has magnificent glaucous foliage, with undulating waves, composed of beautiful lobed and elliptical leaves with a notched and toothed edge. From this foliage clump, 30 to 45 cm wide, tall stems rise up to 90 cm from the ground, bearing solitary flowers with a diameter of 11-12 cm. They are very double and round, formed by thin frayed, bright red petals that play with the light. The summer flowering gives way to ornamental characteristic seed heads filled with small black seeds which take on slate blue reflections as they dry due to the crystallized wax film that protects it. Opium poppies have a taproot that does not tolerate transplanting well, which is why it is better to sow them in place.

At home in sophisticated gardens, cottage gardens, and untended gardens, opium poppies quickly and effortlessly create oceans of infinitely delicate flowers, moving in their vibrant, dark, or pastel colours above the silver foam of their foliage. While they are not very long-lasting when cut, the flowers of 'Laciniatum Scarlet' have a strong personality, which is further enhanced when planted en masse, in front of the swaying foliage of grasses, or even in pots on the terrace. This annual plant cannot be bettered for filling empty spaces, between annuals or large perennials like Chinese peonies.