Papaver dubium aka Long Smooth Headed Poppy

Taxonomy

Papaver dubium, also known as long-headed poppy or blindeyes, is an annual species found in Europe and introduced in America and other regions. It thrives in sandy soils without lime and can reach up to 60cm in height. The plant has hairy, finely divided blue-green leaves and produces solitary saucer-shaped flowers in reddish orange or reddish pink, measuring up to 7cm across. These flowers bloom throughout the summer on upright, hairy stems, eventually giving way to long, ribbed seed capsules. Long-headed poppy is commonly found in arable land, particularly cornfields, as well as waste places and roadsides. It has a wider distribution than the common poppy, extending further north and being more frequent in Wales. While it is limited in upland areas due to the lack of cultivated land, it has been recorded at altitudes of up to 1,400 ft. The plant thrives in light, dry, sandy, and gravely soils but can also flourish in heavy land. It is adaptable to drought conditions and can be found in arid areas. Long-headed poppy exhibits great variability in its size, growth habit, capsule number, and flower shape, which are all influenced by the environment. In open areas, it forms a flat rosette of leaves, while in poor or waterlogged soils, the plants may be small with fewer capsules. Additionally, a white-flowered form of the long-headed poppy has been documented.

Common names

Long Smooth Headed Poppy, Long Head Poppy, Long Headed Poppy, Blindeyes

How to care for Long Smooth Headed Poppy

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Long Smooth Headed Poppy is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Long Smooth Headed Poppy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Long Smooth Headed Poppy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Long Smooth Headed Poppy requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Blindeyes is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Long Smooth Headed Poppy plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Long Smooth Headed Poppy is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Long Smooth Headed Poppy’s native range is Central and southern Europe, including Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia