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Poppy cross polination problems?

17 years ago

I usually only plant perennials, but this year I decided to buy several types of annual poppies because of their reseeding ability.

I plan to make a single bed with all of the varieties (five or six) planted close together. This will allow me to decide which will work in my area without taking up a lot of valuable space.

I intend to save the seeds for replanting. I was wondering if anyone has experience with annual poppies and cross-pollination?

Is cross pollination a problem with annual poppies? Would anyone have any suggestions or techniques to prevent this (in closely planted beds) if it is a problem?

Thank you in advance for any replies.

Tim

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Comments (5)

digdirt2
17 years ago
Poppies are self-fertile so crossing isn't a problem with them.

Dave
remy_gw
17 years ago
Poppies may very well be self-fertile, but grown in close quarters there will be cross pollination. Of course the must be of the same type the annual Papaver somniferum will cross with the same, but won't cross with Papaver orientale or Papaver nudicale, etc. So you can grow various species of annual poppies and be totally safe of cross pollination, but if you were planning a bed with all p. somniferum varieties for example, you will get crosses. Some of the crosses may be very nice though.
Remy

Here is a link that might be useful: Photo Gallery including Crosses
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digdirt2
17 years ago
remy's points are valid of course and I should have stated them but since you specified you were planting only annuals I didn't go into the details. Sorry if I confused. ;)

Dave
Osmar Garden
4 years ago
Does anyone know if papaver somniferum var. laciniatum will cross with var. paeoniflorum?
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Yes, it will. P somniferum will throw up all sorts of variations.

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