Poppies are wonderful flowers, of an intense red color, that grow in the fields, on both sides of the road, in the gardens, in the abandoned lands,… well, wherever their seeds arrive. After the spring rains, the plants begin to show us their delicate but precious petals. They are delicate, that sometimes we wonder if it can be cultivated or if it can only be in the fields.
Well then. Its controlled cultivation, either in pots or in gardens, is possible. But for this it is necessary that they take into account the things that we are going to tell you about this amazing herbaceous.
Characteristics of poppies
Poppies, whose scientific name is Papaver rhoeasThey are annual herbs, that is, they germinate, grow, flower and bear fruit in one year. They are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. They can reach a height of between 50 and 70cm. Its stems are erect, little branched, and are covered with fine white hairs. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, with a serrated edge, and do not have a petiole. The flowers, which sprout in spring, are bell-shaped, and are composed of 4 petals and 2 hairy sepals. And finally, its seeds are very, very tiny, kidney-shaped and brown in color.
Although the California poppy is very similar, it is native to North America, and its flowers can be yellow or orange.
Growing poppies is very simple. But like all plants, they too have their preferences.
Cultivation and care
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They are plants that, if you want to have year after year, it is important that seeds are acquired in spring and watch them grow month after month. So, the first thing we will do is buy them, for example, on eBay, and once we have them, we will plant them in pots using a universal growing substrate.
For them to germinate well and quickly, we just have to cover them with a very thin layer of substrate. Enough quantity so that the wind cannot carry them with it. Likewise, we must place the seedbed in a place where it is directly exposed to the sun. In this way, in a very few days - from seven to fourteen days - we will see that the first seedlings begin to emerge.
Transplant
As its growth rate is very fast, in a matter of a month we can transfer them to larger pots or to the garden. I do not advise separating the seedlings as they have a very delicate root system, and if they are handled a lot, the seedlings could be lost.
Location
We have to place them in an area where direct sunlight hits them.
Soil or substrate
They grow in all types of soils, including limestone. But If they are potted, it is advisable to use the universal growing medium alone, or mixed with 20% perlite.
Irrigation
If we have them in a pot, it must be frecuente but avoiding waterlogging. Two or three weekly waterings will be enough for them to grow healthy and strong.
On the other hand, if we have them in the ground, it will be enough to water twice a week.
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Although it is not necessary, we can fertilize them during their flowering season so that they produce a greater amount of flowers. We will use for it liquid fertilizers, which the roots can absorb much faster than those sold in powder.
You must follow the instructions specified on the package so as not to add more than the necessary amount.
Pruning
It is not recommended, especially if we have them in the garden and we want them to replant each year by themselves. The only thing we can take away is the leaves that dry, but the withered flowers are preferable to leave them since the seeds are so small that, if we cut the flowers, we could run out of them.
Plagues and diseases
They are very resistant, but if the climate is hot and dry they could have aphids; and if it is very humid the snails and slugs they could end them. The former can be fought with Neem Oil, and to keep the latter in check we can make mollusk repellants.
Uses of poppies
They are herbaceous plants whose ornamental value is remarkable. Its flowers are so beautiful that they look great in gardens and / or in potsTherefore, although they have a very high germination rate (in fact, practically all germinate), they are herbs that are usually allowed to grow freely.
But also, you should know that its seeds are often used as a condiment, to make syrups and non-alcoholic beverages, and its fresh green leaves, collected before flowering, can be boiled with water and 2 teaspoons of salt, and can be consumed in, for example, salads.
Yes, the sap, the petals and capsules of the seeds contain an alkaloid called rhoeadine, which has mildly sedating effects. These should not be consumed in excess since we could end up having a stomach ache.
Do they have medicinal properties?
Indeed. The petals, as they contain a lot of mucilage, serve to relieve symptoms of a cold, pharyngitis, or any other respiratory disease. And since they have sedative effects, They can also be used for cases of insomnia, nervousness or anxiety.
La dose It will depend on the problem we want to solve, for example, for diseases of the respiratory system, we will make an infusion with a dessert spoon of dried petals per liter of water; While to be able to be calm and / or sleep, it will be enough to infuse one or two tablespoons of dried petals per liter / water, taken two to three times a day.
It is very, very important not to put more than what is recommended, since otherwise our health could be in danger. In addition, Before starting any treatment, we should consult a doctor.
Poppies are very beautiful herbs that can help us feel better, but only if we respect the recommended doses. For the rest, if you want to have a garden full of beautiful and delicate red flowers, get several seeds, sow them broadcast, and enjoy them watching them grow. 🙂