Red Poppy - Corn Poppy [Papaver rhoeas]

The biennial red poppy is a versatile and summer-green herbaceous tea and medicinal plant for harsh conditions. This species is still used in folk medicine today and relieves many ailments. Very hardy and easy to care for. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the seeds.

 Description 
The red poppy is a biennial summer green herbaceous tea and medicinal plant that originates from warm regions of the world. In ancient times, the species was used as a sleeping aid; today it is used in folk medicine in the form of syrup or tea to calm down, for nervousness, insomnia, pain, respiratory disorders or menstrual problems. It is used externally as a poultice or wash for skin problems. The plants are very robust and resistant to soil contamination and herbicides, which is why the species has spread almost all over the world and can be found growing wild on roadsides or in meadows. The plant is very hardy and does not require any care.

 General information 
Plant family: Papaveraceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -45°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 5x25 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cornflower, Venus mirror
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to October is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Red poppy prefer permeable, nutrient-poor, rather dry, and humus-rich, sandy or normal loam soil. Doesn't' tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
It self-seeds easily and establishes itself in the garden the following year without spreading too much. Sow only in nutrient-poor soil, as otherwise the plants will grow tall and easily fall over. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, we recommend incorporating biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
No care or fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Papaver rhoeas
English names: Red poppy, Corn poppy
German names: Klatschmohn, Mohnblume, Klatschrose, Seidenmohn
Portuguese names: Papoila vermelha, Papoula de milho
Spanish names: Amapola de maíz
French names: Pavot de maïs

 Origin 
Country: Portugal