A hardy annual, up to 1.5 m (5 ft.) tall, it has oblong, deeply lobed, blue-green leaves. Large, lilac, pink or white flowers, with papery petals, borne in early summer, are followed by blue-green seed pods.
History and traditions
Opium, made by lancing the green seed capsule to extract the milky latex, has been used for medicinal purposes since earliest times and the Greek authorities Theophrastus and Discords wrote of it in this context. It was probably introduced to Europe by early Arabian physicians, and a cough syrup made from the opium poppy, widely recommended by the Arabian, Meuse, in the 11th century, was adopted as a standard for many centuries following. But as a highly addictive, powerful narcotic, opium caused as many problems as it solved. Opium poppies are now cultivated on a large scale as the source of powerful pain-killing drugs, including morphine and codeine (two of the most important of its 25 alkaloids), as well as to produce the illegal drug heroin (diamorphine). The flowers are frequently grown in herb gardens as ornamentals.
Growth
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Propagated by seed sown in spring, often self-seeds once established. Parts used Fruits, seeds.
Uses
Medicinal
Proprietary drugs and pharmaceutical products are made from the fruits. Not for home remedies or self-treatment.
Culinary
The seeds do not contain any of the alkaloids found in the capsules. They are dried for use whole or ground in breads, biscuits, bakery products and as a garnish. Commercially produced seed is from a subspecies of P somniferum, developed for its seed production.
