Papaver, (commonly known as the Poppy), a genus of the Papaveraceae family and are native to Africa, Eurasia and America.

As the poppy bud opens, two sepals fall off to expose the fragile flowers that consist of a center containing numerous stamens surrounded by between four to six petals depending on variety. After flowering the poppy’s ovary develops in a capsule. The poppy seeds escape the capsule through perforations in the slightest breeze.

When handling fresh cut poppies always wear gloves as the sap can cause skin irritation.

Poppies are available in the wholesale flower markets and are sold in wraps of 20 or 50 stems. Papaver is an extremely delicate and soft cut flower with a short vase life. Flowering poppies do not travel well once cut and because of these factors we do not recommend using them for wedding flowers.

After the poppy has flowered, there are two types of poppy seed heads that are very popular in the floistry trade - Somniferum, (commonly known as Hen & Chicken), and Zaaddozen. These are available after the poppies have flowered between June and October. Dried poppy heads are often dyed metallic gold and silver for use in Christmas decroations.

You can buy wholesale papaver, (poppy), on our Web-Shop by clicking here.