Levy, A., Division of Medicinal and Spice Crops, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50-250, Canada
Palevitch, D., Division of Medicinal and Spice Crops, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50-250, Canada

Papaver bracteatum Lindl., a potential source for codeine production, is a perennial species which is known to flower from the second year of growth. Through selection and early planting date, a high flowering rate (96%) was achieved during the first growing season. The flowering response and yield of capsules were very sensitive to planting date and seedling type. Delaying planting markedly decreased both flowering rate and yield of capsules in the first year. Direct sowing was more advantageous than transplanting. A yield of 36 g/m2 of dry de-seeded capsules was obtained during the first growing season by direct sowing in late summer. © 1982, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.