Iceland Poppy Seeds
Papaver nudicaule
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow Iceland poppy seeds in early spring, planting on the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. Do not attempt to move seedlings, since they resent having their roots disturbed. For an early start, start the seed indoors in peat pots 6-8 weeks before the last frost and plant outdoors.
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought well and grow well in dry or gravelly soil, though they also flourish in average soil. Do not attempt to move the plants, since they do not transplant well. A layer of mulch will help keep the soil cool, since this plant does not appreciate high heat. It is highly frost tolerant, and survives temperatures up to -20 degrees F. Deadhead flowers to extend the blooming season. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately. For especially long-lasting blooms, sear the freshly cut ends with boiling water or a flame.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather Iceland poppy seeds as soon as the pods have opened; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place; keep in mind that they tend to lose their viability quickly, and are best planted within a year of harvest.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Arctic Poppy, Icelandic Poppy
Latin Name: Papaver nudicaule
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 160,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Height: 18 Inches
Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
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As the name "Iceland poppy" suggests, this hardy poppy comes from the arctic regions of North America and Europe. The first botanical records of Papaver nudicaule come from the mid-eighteenth century, most notably in Linnaeus' landmark publication Species Plantarum in 1753. Because of its high tolerance of cold temperatures, this wildflower graces many roadsides and fields in Alaska and northern Canada.
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow Iceland poppy seeds in early spring, planting on the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should occur within 10-14 days. Do not attempt to move seedlings, since they resent having their roots disturbed. For an early start, start the seed indoors in peat pots 6-8 weeks before the last frost and plant outdoors.
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought well and grow well in dry or gravelly soil, though they also flourish in average soil. Do not attempt to move the plants, since they do not transplant well. A layer of mulch will help keep the soil cool, since this plant does not appreciate high heat. It is highly frost tolerant, and survives temperatures up to -20 degrees F. Deadhead flowers to extend the blooming season. This plant often self-sows, and is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately. For especially long-lasting blooms, sear the freshly cut ends with boiling water or a flame.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open at the top to reveal the ripe seeds. Gather Iceland poppy seeds as soon as the pods have opened; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place; keep in mind that they tend to lose their viability quickly, and are best planted within a year of harvest.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Arctic Poppy, Icelandic Poppy
Latin Name: Papaver nudicaule
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 160,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Height: 18 Inches
Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant