Chinese Name: Yu Mei Ren
Scientific Name: Papaver rhoeas
Aliases: Spring Blossom, Peony Peony
Family: Papaveraceae
Morphological Characteristics:
Papaver rhoeas is an annual or biennial herb, typically growing to a height of 30–90 cm. The plant has slender, rough-haired stems and exudes a milky sap when cut. Its leaves are alternate, pinnately lobed, with lance-shaped segments and coarsely serrated edges. The flowers grow on the stem, and when the buds are closed, they droop slightly. The sepals are green and fall off once the flower opens. The petals are usually four in number, sometimes double, with a diameter exceeding 5 cm and a nearly round shape. They can be scalloped or sharply cut, with a delicate, papery texture. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, purple, pink, and white, and are known for their soft, elegant beauty.
The flowering period occurs from May to June, followed by the formation of capsules containing kidney-shaped seeds.
Origin:
This species is native to Europe and Asia, and it is widely cultivated in China, particularly along rivers and waterways in Zhejiang Province, where it thrives in abundance.
Growth Habits:
Papaver rhoeas prefers warm, sunny conditions and is cold-tolerant but not suited for hot and humid environments. It has a deep root system and does not tolerate transplanting well. It can be grown from seed, and while it is not overly picky about soil type, it performs best in well-drained, loamy soil with good ventilation.
Cultivation and Care:
This plant is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care. It thrives in well-drained sandy loam with adequate nutrients. The soil should remain slightly dry, and a top dressing before flowering helps enhance color and bloom quality. It needs full sunlight and is not suitable for high temperatures or rainy summers. The most vigorous flowering occurs in spring. Removing spent flowers promptly can help redirect energy and extend the blooming period. Like many other plants, its fruits are small, spherical, and contain tiny seeds that are not edible. The fruit splits open when mature, releasing the seeds easily, so timely harvesting is essential for sowing.
Reproduction Methods:
It reproduces mainly through seeds, which are small and easy to germinate. Sowing in late autumn or early winter is ideal, allowing the seeds to overwinter in the soil and sprout in the following spring. In northern China, seedlings that emerge in autumn can be protected with plastic film and straw covers to survive the winter. In colder regions, early spring sowing after the soil thaws is also possible, though growth and flowering may not be as robust as those sown in autumn.
Since the roots of this plant are long and sensitive to transplanting, it's best to sow the seeds directly at the final planting site. Alternatively, small pots or special seedling trays can be used for initial growth. Once the seedlings are strong, one or two healthy plants per pot can be selected and moved to a greenhouse for winter protection. Then, they can be transplanted to the desired location in spring.
Usage:
Papaver rhoeas is a highly ornamental plant, admired for its delicate and charming appearance. Its petals are thin and silky, making it an excellent choice for garden displays, flower beds, and potted arrangements. Its slender stems are frequently used as cut flowers. When cutting, it’s important to place the stems in warm water immediately after the buds open. This prevents excessive loss of sap, which could cause the flowers to fade prematurely and fail to open fully.
Dust Face Mask,Carbon Filter Face Mask,Custom Dust Mask,Nonwoven Anti Dust Mask
Suzhou Fangtian Industries Co., Ltd , https://www.fangtianmasks.com