FREE: POPPY "PERSIAN WHITE"(PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM)

The listing, POPPY "PERSIAN WHITE"(PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM) has ended.

This auction is for AT LEAST 100 seeds.
The opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is an annual plant. The tiny seeds germinate quickly, given warmth and sufficient moisture. Sprouts appear in fourteen to twenty-one days. In less than six weeks the young plant has grown four large leaves and resembles a small cabbage in appearance. The lobed, dentate leaves are glaucous green with a dull gray or blue tint.

Within sixty days, the plant will grow from one to two feet in height, with one primary, long, smooth stem. The upper portion of this stem is without leaves and is the 'peduncle'. One or more secondary stems, called 'tillers', may grow from the main stem of the plant. Single poppy plants in Southeast Asia often have one or more tillers.

As the plant grows tall, the main stem and each tiller terminates in a flower bud.

The main stem of a fully-matured P. somniferum plant can range between two to five feet in height. The green leaves are oblong, toothed and lobed and are between four to fifteen inches in diameter at maturity. The mature leaves have no commercial value except for use as animal fodder.

Put three seeds into a gallon sized pot and wait approx. 10 days or so until germination, usually within 6. After 10 days have a peek to see have the seeds germinated and if the seeds haven’t, leave it for a couple of days but continue sprinkle the soil and seeds lightly with non-chlorinated water. Poppies like depth for their roots and so make sure your 1/2-gallon pots are tall enough, 6-7" inches in height, lest your poppies be stunted and won’t grow as fully. Grow about 6-8 seedlings in each pot about 2 inches part and then thin them out later (Not all the seeds will germinate so beware).
When the seeds have germinated and are clustered together, then segregate/thin them out to ensure full maximum growth. Destroy the weakest or smallest seedlings to ensure the strongest, tallest and healthiest survive.