Poppy

There is a diverse selection of poppy flower seeds in existence, including the classic Papaver somniferum and ornamental types like the Icelandic poppy (Papaver nudicaule) and the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). Each variety brings unique colours and characteristics to your garden. Papaver somniferum, for example, is loved worldwide for its vibrant red petals, while other poppy flowers have white, pink, purple, orange, and even blue hues. Buy our high-quality poppy seeds today, and these well-known plants will bloom annually or perennially (depending on the species), adding a kaleidoscope of colours to your garden.

Poppy seeds themselves contain negligible levels of opioids. In fact, they are a popular addition to many culinary dishes thanks to their slightly sweet and nutty taste. Instead, it’s the poppy latex that contains an abundance of opium alkaloids (such as morphine and codeine). This milky white fluid is excreted from the pods when cut or handled, so you must take care when growing and harvesting at home as seeds may become coated with opioids unknowingly.

Though individual poppy seeds don’t contain opioids, the seed pod does, and this can cause opioids to be passed onto seeds if they get coated in the pod's milky white fluid. While toxicity from eating poppy seeds is incredibly rare, ingesting them can sometimes result in a false positive drug test due to trace amounts of opiates. It's advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of poppy seeds (more than 50 grams) before undergoing drug testing as a precaution.

Poppy and chia seeds are not the same, with the former coming from the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and the latter from a member of the mint family called Salvia hispanica. There are also some visual differences between the two, with poppy seeds being smaller and slate-blue in hue, while chia seeds are larger and usually dark brown or black. However, they do have a similar taste, which is why most people tend to get them confused.

Poppy seeds are easy to grow, but for the best results they need well-drained soil and ample sunlight. For optimal growth, sow the seeds directly into the soil in early spring or late autumn. Autumn sowing allows seeds to lie dormant through winter, leading to robust spring growth. Lightly press them into the soil without covering, as they require light for germination. Regular watering is essential, but waterlogging the soil should be avoided; instead, water them a little but often.

Absolutely! Poppy seeds are a versatile addition to dozens of recipes, enhancing the flavour and texture of baked goods like breads, muffins, and pastries. They're also used in salad dressings and as a garnish for various dishes. Another benefit of poppy seeds is their nutritional value. One tablespoon of poppy seeds can contain nearly two grams of fibre alongside several essential vitamins and minerals.

Yes, commercially processed and washed poppy seeds are safe for consumption and are commonly used in various culinary dishes. However, unwashed poppy seeds may contain higher levels of opiates and should be avoided. This is because the opioid-containing fluid from the seed pod can contaminate seeds. Fortunately, washing and preparing poppy seeds removes these. For home growers, it’s best to soak seeds in warm water for at least two hours to remove any impurities.

Store poppy seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. To prevent them from going off, consider refrigerating or freezing them for extended freshness. Moisture and humidity are the two main environmental factors that ruin poppy seeds. Poppy seeds should last several weeks with adequate storage; however, because they contain natural oils, they will eventually spoil, so it’s best only to harvest or buy seeds that you’ll actually use.