The poppy is a perennial flower that is known to be modest where, in fact, it is a widely recognized flower that has a fascinating history. Only a few flowers in the world are as widely known as the poppy; in fact, most people that do not have any knowledge of plants can still generally be able to identify one. This is because of its resolute presence both in rural lanes, fields, and even on verges in towns, and wasteland. Which is why its persistent presence made the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the exciting facts about poppies that you probably didn’t know about.
Several types of poppies can be found – Research shows that there are over 70 species of poppies in the world. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and even plant palette. The versatility of a poppy plant is considered to be one of its strengths, and it is one of the any reasons why it remains to be one of the most popular yards and perennial garden flowers.
Poppies came from the Arctic Circle – Poppies grows mainly in the northern hemisphere, including the areas that are located within the Arctic Circle. One of its species can also be found in southern Africa. These type of poppies belongs to the Papaveraceae family. This family includes other genera, which is typically referred to as poppies. Varieties such as the Himalayan poppy, and the Californian poppy.
Sir Cedric Morris bred grey colored poppies – Well-known artist and gardener Sir Cedric Morris was also a poppy hunter. In fact, after the Second World War ended, Sir Cedric Morris decided to windswept the Suffolk countryside find different poppy varieties in the collective field poppy Papaver rhoeas. Eventually, he decided to breed a range of poppies that has a smoky-grey color sheen to the petals.
The poppy was a flower cultivated centuries ago – Researchers believe that the Minoans, which is a sophisticated civilization, is known to grow poppies for their seeds back in 2700 BCE.
There is a lot of poppy variation that exists around the world – The genus encompasses species, and they are wide-ranging, which is why poppy flowers can be extremely different from each other. The opium poppy one of the varieties that can stand out from all the rest because it is far less elegant. Plus, it is fragile compared to the field poppy, and it blooms flowers that are husky and flamboyant.
Some poppies can be eaten – Culinary poppy seeds are considered to be a great source of calcium, irons, and minerals. These vitamins can all be derived mainly from the opium poppy. However, the one variety that most people are familiar with is the P.orientale. This is because it is one of the most widely grown perennial flowers and it blooms blousy flowers which makes it the perfect addition to any enthusiastic planting design
One particular poppy was discovered by serendipity – The P. Orientale or also known as Patty’s Plum was found. At the same time, it was growing on the compost heap in the 1980s. The dusky plum-colored flowers even caused a sensation when the plant was first presented
Poppy seeds are not allowed in other places – In Singapore, China, and Taiwan, the seeds of poppies are banned because they have the chance of growing and cultivating opium poppies. The security is tight in these countries that even food containing the seeds is not allowed.