Iceland Poppy Papaver nudicaule

Water

The Iceland Poppy requires moderate watering, being careful not to overwater. Ideally, water once a week with about one gallon per plant, ensuring the soil is dry between waterings. During hotter periods, increase watering frequency to prevent drying out, but always check the soil moisture first. Over the winter months, reduce watering significantly, as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.

Light

The Iceland Poppy thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is a south-facing location that gets ample sunlight throughout the day. If grown indoors, make sure to place it near a window where it can receive plenty of natural light.

Temperature

Iceland Poppies prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate a minimum of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, although they may not survive prolonged freezes. The ideal temperature range for the Iceland Poppy is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand brief periods above this range but optimal growth occurs within this cooler temperature spectrum.

Pruning

Pruning the Iceland Poppy involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. This should be done throughout the blooming season as flowers fade. Pruning is not typically needed for plant health, but it can help improve vigor and blooming performance. The best time for pruning is in late summer or early fall, after the blooming has finished.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Iceland Poppy prefers well-draining, sandy to loamy soil, with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix that includes two parts sand or perlite, one part loam, and one part peat or compost works well to encourage strong growth and blooming.

Repotting

Iceland Poppies are typically grown as biennials, so repotting isn't usually necessary. If grown as perennials, they may be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and manage their size.

Humidity & Misting

Iceland Poppies do best in average humidity conditions; they are not tolerant of very high humidity. Maintaining a level that mimics their native habitats usually between 40-60% is ideal.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and well-draining soil for Iceland Poppies indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant Iceland Poppies in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  2-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Papaver nudicaule, commonly known as the Iceland Poppy, begins with the sowing of small, wrinkled seeds either in autumn or early spring, preferably in well-drained soil with a lot of sunlight. Upon germination, which takes approximately 14-28 days, the plant develops into a rosette of slight greyish-green leaves. As the plant matures, it sends up a flowering stalk, with each stalk typically bearing a single flower with silky, brightly colored petals that bloom in late spring to early summer. After pollination, which is mainly performed by insects, the plant produces a capsule containing numerous tiny seeds. These seeds can be dispersed by wind or when the plant is disturbed. The Iceland Poppy is a short-lived perennial or biennial which, if conditions permit, may self-seed and continue its growth cycle in subsequent seasons.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) is most commonly propagated by seeds. This is typically done in late winter or early spring, as the seeds require a period of cold to germinate effectively—a process known as stratification. To propagate Iceland poppies by seeds, you should first scatter the tiny seeds thinly over the surface of a tray filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. The seeds need light to germinate, so they are not covered with soil but can be gently pressed into the soil to ensure good contact. The tray should then be kept in a cool location, around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 15.5 degrees Celsius), and maintained moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from 14 to 28 days. Once seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted to their final growing location, ensuring they are spaced out adequately to accommodate mature growth.