Description
Papaver dubium | Long-headed Poppy
Poppies are a large family of flowering plants that include annuals, biennials, perennials, and even semi-shrubs and small evergreen trees. They are found all over the globe, and in a wide range of environments, but predominantly in the northern hemisphere. Botanists have divided poppies into almost 800 different species, grouped into 42 genera. And those are just the wild species! Plant breeders have been working with poppies for thousands of years now, and the variety out there today is nearly endless. They are prized for their delicate, silken petals that glow in the suns rays. They don’t last long which makes them that much more beautiful to see.
Papaver dubium, Long-headed poppy, also known as Blindeyes, is an upright, branching annual poppy variety from Europe and Western Asia. It bears hairy blue-green leaves and beautiful reddish-orange, single flowers that bloom from June to August, each one lasting just one day. Although this may look like a Common Poppy to the casual observer, it is distinguished by the size of its flowers and the shape of its seed pods, which are more narrow and longer, and the color of the flower, which is more reddish.
Grows in arable and disturbed lands. Prefers most soil. Suitable for coastal conditions. Will not grow well in the shade.
Plant in mass for best effect. Seeds can be sown indoors although Papavers typically do not transplant well. It’s most ideal to direct-sow outside in late fall, or if in zones 8+, can be sown in late winter/early spring as soon as the last winter snow recedes.
Pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 16-20 inches
Mature width: 12 inches
Zones: 6-9