a b c Dittbrenner, A. (2009). "Variability of alkaloid content in Papaver somniferum L ". Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality. 107: 103–107. It’s able to stand typical southern California heat with no problem at all, but like many native to California plants, it dries out during the summer. This plant is deciduous during the late summer months and will drop many of its leaves from then through fall.

It shall be unlawful for any person who is not the holder of a license authorizing him to produce the opium poppy, duly issued to him by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with the provisions of this Act, to produce the opium poppy, or to permit the production of the opium poppy in or upon any place owned, occupied, used, or controlled by him. P. somniferum has had a very long tradition of use, starting in the Neolithic. This long period of time allowed the development of a broad range of different forms. In total there are 52 botanical varieties. [14] Breeding of P. somniferum faces a challenge caused by the contradictory breeding goals for this species. [14] On one hand a very high content of alkaloids is requested for medical uses. The global demand for the alkaloids and the pharmaceutical derivatives has increased in the past years. Therefore, there is a need for the development of varieties with a high opium yield. [15] On the other hand, the food industry demands as low alkaloid contents as possible. [14] California poppies grow best in USDA zones 9 - 11, the dry western regions of the US. They are easy to care for and do well in infertile soil.The United Kingdom does not require a licence for opium poppy cultivation, but does for extracting opium for medicinal products. [42] a b "Breadseed or opium poppy, Papaver somniferum" (PDF). University of Wisconsin Extension, Master Gardener Program . Retrieved 21 November 2020. Poppy seed oil remains a niche product due to the lower yield compared to conventional oil crops. [37] Medicine [ edit ] The Flanders or field poppy (papaver rhoeas) is the simplest to grow, and is best known as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who gave their lives in the first World War. It’s an annual, bee-friendly variety that’s ideal in a wildflower garden.

Choose a poppy variety. There are many different poppy varieties - some native to the United States, others native to regions across the world. While all poppies have colorful, papery petals and a slightly wild, weedy appearance, they also have striking differences when it comes to caring for them. [1] X Research source Choose a variety that works best in your growing region and the conditions in your garden. [2] X Research source Sown in spring the plants will flower June to August. If sown in autumn they will flower from May onwards. Bajpai, S.; Gupta, M. M.; Kumar, S. (September 1999). "Identification of Indian Landraces of Opium Poppy Papaver somniferum Resistant to Damping-off and Downy Mildew Fungal Diseases". Journal of Phytopathology. 147 (9): 535–538. doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0434.1999.147009535.x. ISSN 0931-1785.Clapham, A.R.; Tutin, T.G.; Warburg, E.F. (1981). Excursion flora of the British Isles (3ed.). Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521232906. You are more likely to get away with later sowing if you have light and free-draining soil where you live. Difficulty a b Asthana SN (1954). "The Cultivation of the Opium Poppy in India". Bulletin on Narcotics (3) . Retrieved 5 September 2018.