Breadseed Rattle Opium Poppy Seeds

CA$5.95

A classic breadseed poppy with dramatic pods and timeless garden presence

Breadseed Rattle Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a classic annual poppy grown for its stunning flowers and distinctive, oversized seed pods filled with edible poppy seeds. This heritage variety produces luminous white blooms with soft lavender-pink centres, followed by large, rounded blue-grey pods that swell dramatically after flowering.

Our own farm-grown Breadseed Rattle Opium Poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) are offered for organic growing. All seeds are grown on our farm without the use of chemicals and are open-pollinated, hybrid-free, and GMO-free.

Each package contains 100+ seeds.

Quantity:

Each package contains 100+ seeds.

Why Grow Breadseed Rattle Poppy?
Breadseed poppies are valued for their ornamental beauty, edible seeds, and long history in traditional gardens. The large seed pods remain intact as they dry, causing the loose seeds inside to gently rattle — a unique and charming feature in the garden. Easy to grow and well suited to both ornamental beds and containers, these poppies also readily self-seed for future seasons.

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PLANT DETAILS

Common Names
Breadseed Poppy, Giant Rattle Poppy, Poppyseed Poppy, Poppy.

Botanical Name
Papaver somniferum

Plant Family
Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)

Life Cycle
Annual

Native Range
Mediterreanean

Hardiness Zone
2-11

Habit
Annual poppy producing huge, round blue-grey seed pods up to 3 inches in diameter. The pods lack vent holes, allowing the edible black seeds to remain contained as they dry. Showy white flowers with lavender-pink centres bloom in early summer before petals drop and pods swell. Highly attractive to pollinators.

Sun & Soil Requirements
Prefers full sun and regular garden soil. Performs well in well-drained beds with moderate fertility.

Germination & Sowing Instructions
Seeds are best direct sown by scattering on the soil surface in fall or very early spring. Seeds require cool soil to germinate and should not be covered deeply. If started indoors, do so without bottom heat and transplant carefully while young.

Growing/Care

Breadseed Rattle Poppy's do best grown in regular veggie-garden type conditions with good soil and regular waterings throughout the season. They will self-seed for continuous successions.

Harvesting
Seed pods are harvested once fully dry for decorative use or seed collection. Seeds may be removed once pods have dried completely.

Culinary Uses
The edible seeds are traditionally used in baking, including poppy seed breads, cakes, and pastries. Seeds are easily collected once pods are fully dry.

Medicinal Uses
Papaver somniferum has a long and complex history in traditional medicine. While the plant was once commonly included in household apothecaries, the extraction or use of the medicinally potent sap from seed pods is now restricted or illegal in many regions.

Today, breadseed poppies are grown primarily for their ornamental value, edible seeds, and historical significance.

Themes
Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Apothecary Garden, Container Garden, Low Maintenance, Cut Flowers.