RE: Poppies
- To: <m*@ucdavis.edu>
- Subject: RE: Poppies
- From: "* K* <c*@hollinet.com>
- Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 17:52:30 -0800
There is a very well-known seed supplier in our area (though they sell mail
order nationally) that offer seed for papaver somniferum in various colors.
When I first saw this, I was attracted by the idea of a novelty, plus the
glorious flowers, so I called them up.
"Aren't 'papaver somniferum' opium poppies?" I asked.
"Well...uh...yes they are," they told me.
"Is it legal for me to grow them, then?"
"Ummmmm. I wouldn't put them in the front yard."
I was stunned. My favorite source for kitchen garden seeds was trying to
send me up the river! Now I know from these letters it's OK for them to sell
the seed, OK for me to buy it but NOT OK to plant it. I'm glad for the
info - I've always wondered.
Gee, that makes sense. I saw a lovely display of them one year, in the
gardens at Monticello. Good thing Jefferson's not still around - we have
enough political scandal right now without previous presidents winding up in
the pokey.
Cyndi Kirkpatrick
Eos Development
http://www.eosdev.com
