POPPY HUNGARIAN BREADSEED Papaver somniferum Characteristics • Season: Annual • Bloom Color: Purple • USDA Zones: 3 - 9 • Environment: Full sun to partial shade • Height: 24 - 36 inches • Soil Type: Well drained soil, pH 6.1 - 7.5 • Bloom Season: Early to Mid-Summer Culture Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold climates, seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil thaws. Blossoms and pods are largest when plants grow in cool weather; seedlings are very cold hardy. Sitting above its silvery, highly cut foliage, the striking, purple- petaled flowers of this easy-to-grow annual are followed later in the season by attractive seed pods that can be used in dried arrangements. At season’s end, the seeds in the pods can be harvested and used for baking or replanting. All plant parts except the seeds are toxic. Prolific self-sowing annual. Noteworthy Characteristics Breadseed poppy plants grow quickly from seed up to three feet tall. They are hardy, cool season annuals, germinating early in the season and the foliage is not affected by light frosts, but the flowers are sensitive to freezing. The dull green to blue-green, glaucous leaves clasp the strong upright stems growing from a stout tap root. The smooth leaves have jagged edges and a crisp texture, resembling loose-leaf lettuce leaves. The foliage begins to decline once the plant is in bloom, and by the time the flowers are done will dry up completely. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Wet, poorly-drained soils can cause significant problems such as root rot, particularly in winter Garden Uses Bring some romance and charm to your garden and grow Hungarian Breadseed Poppies. Once the flowers are spent, these Poppies are known for their nutty flavored seeds that can be left to ripen and used in baking. Leave the pods to ripen and collect them at the end of the season for kitchen use. Growing Poppies from seed is so rewarding. Create a beautiful display with these flower seeds! .