Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

Family: Papaveraceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Papaver somniferum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salads etc, it imparts a very nice nutty flavour. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Much used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, fruit salads etc, it imparts a very nice nutty flavour.; The crushed and sweetened seeds are used as a filling in crepes, strudels, pastries etc.; Highly nutritious, the seed contains about 22.7% protein, 48% fat, 9.8% carbohydrate, 7.1% ash.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)