Papaver orientale (Oriental poppy, "Onigeshi")

Japanese name: オニゲシ （鬼芥子、鬼罌粟）
Scientific name: Papaver orientale

[Overview]
A perennial 45–90 cm tall.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so in warm regions it is treated as an annual sown in autumn.
It spreads by stolons.
Stiff bristles cover the whole plant, and white latex exudes when it is damaged.
The leaves form a basal rosette, are 30 cm long, and are pinnately divided to the base.
A single flower 10–20 cm across opens upward at the tip of a flower stalk 45–90 cm tall.
There are 4–6 petals, broadly ovate and red, with a black spot at the center.
Flower colors also include white with yellow spots, pink, and orange.
There are 2 sepals covered with stiff bristles, which fall as the flower opens.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, or by root cuttings.
The optimum germination temperature is about 21°C; the seed needs light to germinate, so cover it only very thinly.
From northern Kanto northward it survives the summer and can be treated as a perennial.
It grows well when planted in a sunny, well-drained, fertile place.
It dislikes acidic soil.
Frost and strong cold winds can damage the leaves, so winter protection is acceptable.
Rainfall is sufficient for watering.
Too much fertilizer makes the plant weak and reduces flowering, so apart from base fertilizer none is particularly needed.
If the flower stalks are snapped off after flowering, a second flush of flowers can be enjoyed.

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