Papaver orientale

PAPAVER orientale
Oriental Poppy

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Type:
Perennial

Height: 18"-4' (45-120cm)

Flowering Time: Summer

Flower Colour: Orange, red, pink, white

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Botanical Classification:

Class:
Angiospermae (Angiosperms)

Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons)

Superorder: Magnoliidae (Magnolia Superorder)

Order: Papaverales (Poppy Order)

Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)

Genus: Papaver (Poppy)

Species: orientale (oriental)

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Papaver orientale is an impressive perennial for any garden, particularly in a sunny situation. It forms spreading clumps of hairy divided leaves, and in early summer produces strong stems each holding a single solid cup-shaped flower up to six inches across in bright shades of reds, oranges, pinks or white, often with a black blob at the base of each petal, and with a cushion of conspicuous black stamens in the centre. These usually reach a height of about 3', but there are also smaller hybrids growing to only about 18".
The main drawback is that the petals of Oriental Poppies are so easily spoilt by rain. It can also need staking because of the weight of the large flowers, and some people prefer to plant it in the centre of the border so that its dying foliage can be hidden by other plants.
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Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

Germination:
Spring or Summer
Out (16-26 days)
Winter
Outside (57 days)
Any time of year
Inside (4-8 days)

Seed Pod The seed pod is the familiar domed pepper pot, opening with holes under the lid.
Seed The seeds are small very dark brown fuzzy commas. There are many seeds in a seed pod.
Seedling The seedleaves are thin and pointed. The first true leaves are very divided and bluish.

(You can check the meaning of any technical terms new to you in the Botany section of the site)

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				Germination: Spring or Summer Out (16-26 days) Winter Outside (57 days) Any time of year Inside (4-8 days)
Seed Pod The seed pod is the familiar domed pepper pot, opening with holes under the lid. Seed The seeds are small very dark brown fuzzy commas. There are many seeds in a seed pod. Seedling The seedleaves are thin and pointed. The first true leaves are very divided and bluish.