Long-Head Poppy, Blindeyes
Papaver dubium
Family: Papaveraceae
What it is like
Papaver dubium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
A weed of arable fields, especially amongst cereal crops, and of waste places.
Central and southern Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is sudorific.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Does not do well on wet clay soils but succeeds in most other soils. This species is possibly more tolerant of poor soils than P. rhoeas. Plants usually self-sow freely when growing in suitable conditions so long as the soil surface is disturbed. When growing in cereal fields, poppies decrease the yields of nearby cereal plants. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant is toxic to mammals, though the toxicity is low. The seed is not toxic.