Troubleshooting
Opium poppy problems — and how to fix them
Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Downy mildew (Peronospora arborescens)
Pale yellowish patches on upper leaf surfaces, grey-purple sporulation on undersides; prevalent in cool, wet spring weather. Remove and destroy affected material; do not compost. Choose open, well-ventilated sites and avoid overhead irrigation.
Aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae and others)
Green or grey aphid colonies on stems and flower buds cause distortion and reduce vigour. Spray with insecticidal soap or a jet of water. Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion umbellifers.
Lodging (stem collapse)
Tall double-flowered forms with large seed heads are prone to stem breakage in wind and rain, especially in fertile, sheltered gardens. Stake individually with canes or grow in an exposed site that builds stronger stems naturally.
Prevent opium poppy problems before they start
Most opium poppy issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Opium poppy problems — FAQ
Why is my opium poppy downy mildew (peronospora arborescens)?
Pale yellowish patches on upper leaf surfaces, grey-purple sporulation on undersides; prevalent in cool, wet spring weather. Remove and destroy affected material; do not compost. Choose open, well-ventilated sites and avoid overhead irrigation.
Why is my opium poppy aphids (macrosiphum euphorbiae and others)?
Green or grey aphid colonies on stems and flower buds cause distortion and reduce vigour. Spray with insecticidal soap or a jet of water. Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion umbellifers.
Why is my opium poppy lodging (stem collapse)?
Tall double-flowered forms with large seed heads are prone to stem breakage in wind and rain, especially in fertile, sheltered gardens. Stake individually with canes or grow in an exposed site that builds stronger stems naturally.