Poppy Seed Head (source: Wikimedia Commons) Papaver somniferum poppies have a fantastic range of uses in the garden. They are, first and foremost, a stunning plant which will fill your garden with color. Having been highly hybridized over the years you can find some stunning varieties with unique and interesting petal shapes, colors, and size. However, these poppy plants are also known as Breadseed poppies due to their seeds being perfect for culinary use. And finally, they are also known as the Florist poppy as they are perfect to incorporate into flower arranging.
After Papaver somniferum poppies flower they will begin to set seed and lose their petals. It is at this time that a beautiful and architectural seed head is revealed. Bursting with seed, these seed heads are perfect for flower arranging as they give added interest when used amongst other flowers and foliage.
When cutting the seed heads for flower arranging, ensure that you allow a long enough stem so that it can easily be pushed into the foam blocks used to secure leaves and flowers. It is also very important that the seed heads are dry so that they don’t develop mould which will quickly be spread to neighboring specimens in the flower arrangement. You can easily dry stems out by placing them on a hot windowsill on top of some blotting paper or kitchen towel which will help absorb any moisture. Alternatively, you can use an oven on a low heat and place the seed head inside for five to ten minutes, drawing the moisture out of the plant.
After Papaver somniferum poppies flower they will begin to set seed and lose their petals. It is at this time that a beautiful and architectural seed head is revealed. Bursting with seed, these seed heads are perfect for flower arranging as they give added interest when used amongst other flowers and foliage.
When cutting the seed heads for flower arranging, ensure that you allow a long enough stem so that it can easily be pushed into the foam blocks used to secure leaves and flowers. It is also very important that the seed heads are dry so that they don’t develop mould which will quickly be spread to neighboring specimens in the flower arrangement. You can easily dry stems out by placing them on a hot windowsill on top of some blotting paper or kitchen towel which will help absorb any moisture. Alternatively, you can use an oven on a low heat and place the seed head inside for five to ten minutes, drawing the moisture out of the plant.
There are so many uses for Papaver somniferum poppies that they make an ideal garden plant. And by using their seed pods for flower arranging you can ensure that plants continue to thrill long after the petals have fallen.
Find a great range of poppy seeds at One Stop Poppy Shoppe
Find a great range of poppy seeds at One Stop Poppy Shoppe
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