Perennial flowers hardly ever win the coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal for seed grown flowers. One of those rare exceptions to the rule is the superb Papaver orientale Pizzicato, a mixture of red, scarlet, orange, salmon, mauve, pink and white flowers. Pizzicato like other oriental poppies can be recognised by the black spots at the basis of its petals. Growing on strong stems to a height of 50 - 60 cm the big flowers with a diameter of 15 - 20 cm will not easily be blown over by a strong wind. Pizzicato truly is an eye-catcher in each garden.
In detail
Oriental papavers (poppies) are native in Northern Iran, Armenia, the Caucuses and Little Asia. They belong to the large family of Papaveraceae which is spread all over the world. Oriental poppies are distinguished by black spots at the bottom of the flower petals of the huge flowers. The bushy plants have up to 20 branches that reach to a height of 50 - 60 cm. Papaver orientale is a perennial bedding plant. Many new papaver varieties are currently being bred and introduced for their fantastic colours and great breeding potentials. Papaver orientale Pizzicato is the latest invention of the flower seed industry. It is a beautiful mixture of colours in a range from bright red, scarlet, orange, salmon and mauve to pink and white flowers. All carry the typical black spots in the centre. Its flowers measure 15 to 20 cm. The strong, 50 cm tall stems can even resist heavy winds. It produces up to 20 superb flowers on very uniform plants. Taking all of these points into consideration the Fleuroselect judges adhered its coveted Gold Medal to Pizzicato, which can easily be grown from seed by professional growers, as well as hobby gardeners. Pizzicato blends beautifully with all kind of flowers: edging arable fields, in borders with summer flowers, etc. It just as much decorates the country style garden, as the extremely modern city garden. A real show-piece can be achieved by putting Pizzicato in a vase; the effect is unforgettable. Moreover, the decorative leaves remain fresh until winter and the decorative seedpods may be used for bouquets of dried flowers. Growing oriental poppies does not require a lot of skills and facilities. Sow directly outdoors in May - June (covering the seeds lightly). 4 - 6 weeks after sowing either thin out seedlings or prick off at a larger distance or directly into a 10 cm container. Container plants can be planted out in April at 30 x 30 cm distance in sunny spots in the garden.