Blue-Breadseed

Papaver somniferum var. nigrum

An incredibly beautiful annual Poppy growing up to 3 feet or more with large lavender/purple flowers, which give rise to large seed heads. These are filled with slate-blue edible seeds, which are widely used on baked goods as "poppy seeds" for breads, cakes, bagels, and in Middle Eastern delicacies such as halva. The seeds also yield a quality oil that can be used used for salads or for making soap and ointments. The seeds are best direct seeded in early Spring while daytime temperatures are still cool, or in Autumn to germinate in spring.