Poppies. The very mention of this delicate, crepe-paper-like flower can evoke moral outrage in some, deep grief in others, and a profound feeling of respect and remembrance in others still.
The controversy stems from a variety of poppy called papaver somniferum, notoriously known as the opium poppy. A milky substance that can be extracted from the immature seeds of this variety of poppy is dried and commonly used to create a variety of narcotic painkilling agents, namely morphine, codeine, noscapine, papaverine, and thebaine.
However, the papaver somniferum variety of poppy is far better known as the culprit from whom the illegal narcotic drugs opium and heroin originate. In fact, this variety of poppy strikes such a nerve that it is illegal to cultivate the flower in many countries, including the United States.
The poppy controversy is complex, highly political and much debated, and not one that we need explore for our purposes here.
What is really interesting about this flower is that while on the one hand it is a hot political and legal issue, on the other it has become a sobering symbol of remembrance and easily identifiable token of peace and freedom.
The variety of poppy that has risen to fame, because it grew widely and rapidly in the churned up battlefields of World War I, is called papaver rhoeas, or more commonly, the field poppy or Shirley poppy.
Because this variety of poppy grows quickly in disturbed soils due to its persistent seed bank, the wild flowers sprang up in abundance in the fields of Europe that were so devastatingly ravaged by war. The beautiful flowers inspired poet Lt.-Col. John McCrea to write the now famous war poem, In Flanders Fields, in 1915.
War veterans and members of the Royal Canadian Legion have been selling scarlet plastic poppies for people to pin to their lapels as a symbol of remembrance of fallen soldiers for over 80 years. It's a tradition that has become so popular that the Toronto-based poppy manufacturer has a tough time keeping up with the increasing demand.
But what if you want to grow the real thing in your own garden at home?
Despite the controversy and the symbolic value surrounding these lovely flowers, they remain something far simpler: a beautiful, colourful and charming addition to an at-home garden, a stunning vision as they stand tall and proud, their papery red, pink or orange blooms swaying gently in the breeze.
The answer, of course, is yes, you can grow poppies in your own garden. We've outlined growing tips for two popular varieties of poppies, the papaver rhoaes or Shirley poppy and the papaver nudicaule or Iceland poppy.
Growing Papaver Rhoeas (Shirley Poppy)
Zone: Does best in zone 7. Can stand frost up to approximately -15° C.
Description:
Shirley poppies are hearty annuals, sown in spring or fall.
They are tall, reaching a height of approximately 60 cm. The flowers have a paper-like, delicate appearance, and come in a variety of colours from deep reds to pastel pinks. Flowers are large and showy, some reaching a diameter of 8 cm across. The unopened buds are also stunning on their own and often used in cut flower displays.
Growing conditions:
Grow in full sun. Requires well-drained soil. Add good compost or manure to the site before sowing.
Growing method:
· March through May and September are the ideal times to sow these poppies. Spring-sown will flower in summer and fall-sown will flower in late spring.
· Rake seeds into the soil, or simply scatter them.
· Seedlings should be thinned out so they remain approximately 30 cm apart.
· Water only as needed, should plants begin to wilt.
· After the blooming has finished, simply leave a few plants behind to die down on their own. They will self-seed and return in abundance next year.
· Seeds may spread to areas where the plants are not wanted, but they are easily pulled up from unwanted areas of your garden.
Growing Papaver Nudicaule (Iceland Poppy)
Zone: Does best in zone 7. Can stand frost up to approximately -15° C.
Description:
Iceland poppies are hardy biennials or can be treated as half-hardy annuals.
They are sown in spring or fall.
They grow to a height of anywhere from 25 to 75 cm and look stunning growing in large groups. The flowers are soft with a velvet-like appearance and come in several colours. The tall varieties are excellent for cutting.
Growing conditions:
Grow in cool or warm conditions, full sun. Use soil that is well drained and treated with a good amount of organic compost.
Growing method:
· April through June and September are the ideal times to sow Iceland poppies. They will flower in early summer.
· Thinly scatter seeds in shallow holes, no deeper then 2 cm, and gently rake over.
· Seedlings should be thinned out when they reach 5 cm tall. Maintain about 30 cm of space between plants.
· Water after thinning and on a regular basis. They should not require extra feedings.
· Pick flower heads off as they begin to fade.
· Leave a few plants behind to die down and self-seed on their own.