Description
Papaver nudicaule Transplant – I sow into small soil blocks 6-8 weeks before transplanting (when starting transplants). Cell trays can be used but there is more root disturbance when transplanting. Cover seeds very lightly. Bottom water or mist to avoid displacing seeds and soil. Harden off and transplant outdoors, or transplant directly into a covered structure.
Seedlings are slow to start and often stall out around the time they need to be transplanted. If left in the trays too long, they will fail to thrive.
Requires care as seeds resemble grains of sand & are slow to germinate. Full flowering usually occurs about 6 weeks after transplanting.
Direct seed – Sow in early spring, fall, or winter. I prefer to seed these in situ in late fall for early spring emergence. Grows best in cooler conditions, below 21C (70°F).
Seed flats should be kept in a warm room or on heat mats around 70ºF (21ºC) until the tiny seedlings emerge and develop at least 2 sets of leaves, then grown on cooler.
Bloom production & quality declines as temperatures rise. Surface-sow and keep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Pinching plants is not necessary or beneficial.
Iceland poppies are technically considered a perennial and can survive cold winter temperatures, but because they don’t handle heat and insects very well, they are typically grown as hardy annuals or biennials by flower farmers.
Sun/Part Shade. Height 15-20″ Spacing 6-12″ Zones 4-9
Blooms late spring until summer in northern climates and early spring until early summer in warmer climates when grown outdoors.
Prefers cool summers and will readily self-sow. May be annual or perennial depending on growing conditions.
Vase Life 5-7 days. Harvest as the buds just begin to open and show a bit of colour but before they fully expand.
Moist, well-drained soil. Cut flower. Beds, borders, mass plantings, and containers.
