Poppy flowers are beautiful to look at and an eye-catcher for every summer flower border in the garden - the bright red poppy flowers in the early summer cornfields have inspired many an artist to create wonderful landscape pictures. However, not all poppy species can be cultivated in the garden – beautiful flowers or not. The opium poppy in particular is strictly forbidden in Germany. Fortunately, there are many alternatives that are no less magnificent.
Can you grow opium poppies in the garden?
The cultivation of opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) in the garden is strictly forbidden in Germany because they contain opiates and can be used to produce drugs. Alternatives are ornamental poppy species such as Turkish poppy, corn poppy or Icelandic poppy.
Opium poppies in the garden are forbidden
Until reunification, the cultivation of opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) was permitted in the former GDR. In some European countries you can also find the plant with the beautiful, bright red flowers in many gardens due to loose legislation. In Germany, however, you face severe prison sentences 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 Office upon application.
Beautiful ornamental poppies as an alternative
However, instead of the forbidden opium poppy, you can plant some no less beautiful types of ornamental poppies in the garden. The Turkish 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 Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule), which usually blooms white, light yellow, orange-yellow or red, is also very pretty. The golden poppy, also known as the Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica), delights with bright orange flowers. However, unlike other poppy species, this one is poisonous.
Tip
In contrast to plants, the purchase and consumption of seeds, which are very rich in vitamins and minerals and therefore he althy, are permitted. They are sold under the name blue or baked poppy seeds in supermarkets, discount stores and pharmacies and are mainly used for baking and cooking.
