Poppy blossoms are beautiful to look at and an eye-catcher for every summer flower border in the garden - even the bright red poppy blossoms in the early summer cornfields have inspired many an artist to create wonderful landscape pictures. However, not all types of poppies can be cultivated in the garden - beautiful flowers or not. The opium poppy in particular is strictly forbidden in Germany. Fortunately, however, there are many no less magnificent alternatives.
Instead of opium poppies, ornamental poppies can be grown in the garden
Opium poppy in the garden is prohibited
Until reunification, the cultivation of opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) was permitted in the former GDR. You can also find the plant with the beautiful, bright red flowers in many gardens in some European countries due to looser legislation. In Germany, however, you face serious prison terms or fines, because opium poppies are strictly forbidden here. The reason for this is the opiate content, which is why opium poppy is also used as a basis for the production of drugs such as opium or heroin. In exceptional cases, however, cultivation can be approved by the Federal Opium Agency upon application.
Beautiful ornamental poppies as an alternative
However, instead of the forbidden opium poppy, you can plant some no less beautiful ornamental poppies in the garden. The Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) and the Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) also have deep red flowers, although the former can also have white, salmon-colored or pink flowers - depending on the variety. The popular Icelandic poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is also very pretty and usually has white, light yellow, orange-yellow or red flowers. The gold poppy, also known as the Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica), inspires with bright orange flowers. However, unlike other types of poppy, this one is poisonous.
tips
In contrast to the plant, the purchase and consumption of the seeds, which are very rich in vitamins and minerals and therefore healthy, are permitted. They are sold in supermarkets, discount stores and pharmacies under the name blue or baking poppy seeds and are mainly used for baking and cooking.