Icelandic Poppy Champagne Pink - 50 seeds

Plant information to grow California poppy from seed

Plant type: Short-lived winter hardy perennial
Height: flowers grow 40 centimeters tall
Position: full sun or partial sun
Planting time: start seeds in spring and/or autumn
Bloom time: starts 75-80 days after sowing in spring
Spacing: 20-25 centimeters between each plant
Germination: 7 - 14 days at 15-20°C very lightly cover seeds with soil or vermiculite
Pinching/pruning: not needed
Flowers: as early as May but dependant on the weather and moment of sowing
Pollinator-friendly: yes
Recommended seed tray or pot: start in the tiny seeds in small cells (60 or 77) and plant out in the garden or transplant into larger pots
The package contains: 50 seeds
Not recommended for first year gardeners

How to Grow Icelandic Poppies (Papaver nudicaule) from Seed

Growing Icelandic poppies, or Papaver nudicaule, from seed can be a rewarding experience. Here’s how to ensure successful germination and thriving plants:

Germination Tips

Icelandic poppy seeds are extremely tiny. The smaller the seeds, the less you should cover them with soil. Start your seeds in late summer to early autumn (late August or September) in seed trays with 4 to 5 cm cells. Alternatively, you can start seeds in February and early March. Since they don’t like being root-bound or disturbed too much, once sown, only cover the seeds with a sprinkle of vermiculite or fine sand. Water the tray from below to avoid disturbing the seeds. Germination can be slow and erratic, taking up to 3 weeks. If germination is not successful, try increasing the temperature to room temperature. Germination is most successful in autumn in a greenhouse, where warm daytime temperatures and cool nights provide optimal conditions.

Care Tips

Once the seeds have germinated, ensure they get plenty of light, especially if sowing indoors in February. Transplant them after approximately 4 to 6 weeks, but no later than 8 weeks. The seedlings will grow rapidly once planted out. They do not require much care once established. Growing poppies on no-dig beds with only 1 to 2 cm of compost yields good results, and no additional fertilizer is typically needed. However, if growing in pots or poor soil, consider giving them an extra boost of nutrients with organic fermented plant food just before and after they start to flower for tremendous results.

Common Pests and Diseases

Slugs are the main pest to watch for, as they love early spring greens. Other than slugs, Icelandic poppies are relatively pest and disease-free. These plants are very hardy and can survive even if nearly eaten to the ground.

Tips for Picking Fresh Flowers

Icelandic poppies are the longest-lasting cut flower poppies. Pick the flowers when you see a slight hint of color through the cracking green head. To extend their vase life, sear the stems in hot water or burn the tips with a torch for a few seconds. Alternatively, you can add a few grams of table sugar to their water.

Saving Seeds

Due to their careful selection for exceptional beauty, the seeds of Icelandic poppies may not be as good as the parent plant. These special poppies result from hand-pollination, ensuring high-quality flowers with unique features. Although their seeds may cost more, nurturing these precious seeds will reward you with stunning blooms unlike any other.