Want to learn about Turkish poppy pods? Read on for facts and info on the cultivation and use of the Turkish poppy pod…
Turkish poppy pods are part of a large botanical family that consists of about 28 genera and more than 250 species of poppy plants. Generally poppy plants grow in subtropical temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Turkey is particularly blessed with a heavy population of poppy plantations.
The Turkish poppy pods are amongst the most popularly cultivated varieties in the world. Other popular varieties include the California poppy, the Welsh poppy, the Syrian tulip poppy and the Alpine poppy. The native Turkish poppy pod sprouts up in a single bloom when grown in the wild. However, when it is grown in greenhouses very different specialty blooms can be achieved.
Amongst the variety that was developed is the double poppy bloom. This is characterized by fringed and ruffled petals. The Turkish poppy pod is regarded as being one of the very few varieties that are still perennials. The peony flowered and pink chiffon poppy pods are regarded as being the most aesthetically appealing varieties from this category of plants.
White poppies tend to be the most popular of all varieties. You will also be able to find blossoms in Crimson, pink, and pal purple along with some lighter shades that emerge from the deeper shades found at the base of each petal.
The Turkish poppy plant has a very unique appearance because of its petals, as they appear to be like crushed paper. They fan out all along the circle with the ring of antlers situated at the place from where the poppy pod will sprout. Insects are responsible for fertilizing the population of poppies every year.
The Turkish poppy pod has a very small-lived blossom that lasts a maximum of four days, after which the petals drop to the ground. At this point of time the poppy pod is not any larger than the small berry. Within a short span of time the poppy pod grows in size and can measure up to 7.5 cm in diameter.
When the poppy pod grows in size, two distinct shapes develop on the plant. One shape is round while the other shape is elongated and both of them have a blue green color with a grey overtone. They also appear to be slightly shiny on the surface. At the top of the poppy pod is a small crown from which the stigmas rise. The place at which the poppy pod joins the peduncle has scars left over because of the petals that were once attached at that place.
The pods start to develop in mid summer and by early fall you will find the Turkish poppy fields to be full of pods. Each year’s cultivation ensures next year’s plantation through seedpods, which the cultivators save so as to ensure a healthy plantation for the coming year. With plenty of seed pods saved for next year, the rest are cultivated and dried so as to be used for a wide variety of different purposes.
