Poppies are not always red!

Getting flowers from the local market of Barcelona enables us to build strong relationships with horticulturists and have insider information on flowers. It is also a great way to make sure that your bouquets contribute to the local economy as well as the environment. 

The fields of El Maresme, 30km from Barcelona

Flower fields with seaview

It’s on top of a hill, on the coast and outskirts of Barcelona, that you will find the flower fields and family farm of Ramón Lladó Torrents. Ramón is passionate about flowers, plants and anything related to the earth. He knows the whole region inside out and easily shares anything you would like to know. After working there in January, I discovered how to grow lilies, buttercups, birds of paradise, mimosa… and poppies!

How poppies are grown

Poppies and their different shades

Poppies were planted end of December and at the end of January, we had to cut and throw away the first flowers. The reason? To ensure the flowers that grow next are strong enough to be sold. During the weeding, I get to ask all my questions to Demba, Carlos and Ramón. Demba has been working on the farm for 20 years and Carlos owns a company that sells seeds and came working on the fields a few times to bring him back to the simple things. What a wise thing to do.

Did you know this about poppies?

Demba and Carlos cutting and throwing away the first poppy flowers

I found out that poppies are not always red like I have often seen them in the fields of France. White, yellow, orange, pink… I was really surprised to discover so many bright warm colors for poppies. I started thinking about putting them in a bouquet and then realized they’re so delicate, they would not last and by the time the bouquet would be delivered, most petals would be gone.

Ramón explained to me that poppies have hallucinogenic virtues and can help you sleep. You can use them in an infusion. Simply boil 5g of dried petals (or 2 petals) in 250ml of water and infuse for 10 minutes. Perfect for the light sleepers!

If you liked this article about local poppies, there’s a great chance you might like the one on lilies!