Tasmanian flower farmer ‘shocked’ to learn she planted opium poppies by mistake

Kate Dixon has issued a warning to other gardeners after authorities seized 50 plants she thought were ornamental varieties

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A Tasmanian flower farmer who planted a new line of really beautiful poppies" has issued a warning to other gardeners after learning she had mistakenly grown opium poppies.

Kate Dixon, who operates a commercial flower farm at Clifton Beach, about 25km south of Hobart, said she received a call from the authorities earlier this month after they saw a photo of her frilly pink poppies on Instagram.

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It is illegal to grow, manufacture, sell or possess alkaloid poppies in Tasmania without a licence. For more more information about poppies, readers can also contact the Regulated Crops Branch on 1300 368 500 or email poppies@nre.tas.gov.au

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