I planted a few here last year and I guess they like this spot
this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2024
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Seeds can be bought anywhere super easy. Papaver somniferum. Online or at garden centers. I like to wait until the pods dry out and then make a tea from them
As I understand it, you can have poppies you just can't be harvesting the opium. So only score the pods on plants that no one can see.
Cool. Thanks!
Is the tea super addictive? Are there side effects?
Yes it is addictive. It contains morphine. Please don’t get addicted to it. I’m old and been using it very seldom for many years. I’m fortunate to have that willpower and stability in life. Side effects include nausea and sleepiness, and it is probably possible to OD. I make a cup of tea from 5 average sized pods. Not a very strong dose. Tastes horrible. If you want to learn more look for a free PDF of the book Opium for the Masses.
Opium poppies are hard to grow as a gardener bc they are one of those plants that thrive on neglect. They seem to only grow by accident. But ya they’re easy to find seeds. Lauren’s Grape is a common variety that contains opium.
I’m the the US, and opium poppies are legal to grow and harvest but it is illegal to slice the pods to harvest opium. As far as I know there is no law against making tea from pods and it’s just an easy way to do it. Also once you recognize the shape of opium poppy pod (different shape from oriental poppy and corn poppy) you will see them in garden all over. Sometimes I’ve just asked nicely and been given them.