Papaver Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 23rd Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Papaver plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Poppy: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Papaver plant genus can reach from 20 to 90 cm (8 to 36 inches) in height.

As a large genus, specific members may be grown as hardy annuals, biennials and perennials in the garden.

The common names for Papaver is the Poppy.

Papaver rhoeas - Common Poppy by Anemoneprojectors.

Some annual poppies include Corn poppy, Tulip poppy, and Flanders Poppy. The biennials and perennialPapaver varieties include Icelandic poppy (Papaver nudicaule) and Oriental poppy.

Papaver orientale (note spelling: not Papaver oriental or orientalis) - Oriental Poppies by Amandabhslater.

Poppies have a cup shaped flower. These appear in nearly every color but blue. See this page for information on how to grow Blue poppies,

Plants bloom with flowers appear from the middle of spring through to summer.

Papaver nudicaule - Icelandic poppies by Kimon Berlin.

How to Grow Poppy (Papaver)

Depending on the Papaver plant variety, sow poppy seeds on the surface at the beginning of spring or the end of autumn (Perennial poppies); in the middle of summer (Biennials), or in late autumn or early spring for Annuals

By using continuous sowing in the spring, Annual poppies can have a prolonged blooming season, well into the summer).

Poppies like to grow in sunny areas, and enjoy a moist soil of pH 5.5 to 7.

It is best to sow Papaver seeds outdoors, as opposed to starting them off indoors in the greenhouse or in a conservatory.

If you choose to grow poppies indoors, then they should be sown in peat pots. It will take about 20 days for the seeds to germinate. This should be performed in the dark, at 21°C (70°F).

Try planting poppies out following the last frost of spring, at about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) apart for optimum results.

Caring for Poppies and other Papaver Plants in the Garden

Once growing, it is best to deadhead poppy flowers, such as those from Papaver nudicaule, after they have finished blooming.

Although Papaver plants do carry attractive seed heads, they are prone to take over the garden if left to self seed. It is therefore a good idea to dead-head the plant before seed-set.

Commonly Grown Papaver Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum (Breadseed Poppy / Opium Poppy), photograph by Dr. Hans-Günter Wagner; CC.

Papaver rhoeas

Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy / Flanders Poppy / Corn Rose / Field Poppy / Red Poppy), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.

Papaver orientale

Papaver orientale (Oriental poppy), picture by Gail Hampshire; CC.

Common Questions

How many members does the Papaver genus contain?

There are approximately 70 to 100 species within the Papaver genus, widely known as poppies.

Do Papaver members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Papaver species are highly valued for their striking, cup-shaped flowers that bring vibrant colors to gardens and landscapes.

Which Papaver species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Commonly grown species include Papaver orientale (Oriental poppy) and Papaver rhoeas (common poppy).

Are Papaver plants fragrant?

While some poppies have a subtle scent, they are generally not known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Papaver?

Papaver plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be tolerant of dry conditions once established.

Is Papaver invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Papaver is not currently considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Papaver plants from my garden?

To remove Papaver plants, dig up the entire plant, ensuring that you remove all of the root system to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Papaver genus, part of the Papaveraceae family, includes perennial, biennial, and annual plants, widely known as Ppoppies. These plants are loved for their bright, cup-shaped flowers and feathery foliage.

Papaver requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. The planting period can be either spring or autumn, depending on the species. With their striking blooms, they can add a splash of color to beds, borders, or wildflower gardens.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Papaver plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Glaucium, Mexican poppy, Blue poppy, and Romneya plants.