Poppy, Iceland, ‘Pastel Meadows’

(Papaver nudicaule) After years of flower selection, we are thrilled to continually offer this diverse color population created from the popular commercial cultivar “Meadow Pastels”. There is nothing quite like Iceland poppies. Long stems, flowers like translucent stained glass, and more blooms then you will ever keep up with. The flower texture appears like crushed silk and the hypnotic sway of a patch in the slightest breeze will make you happy you planted them. Color range is from white, cream, yellow, orange, salmon, and rose. We always sow indoors in April, transplant out a few weeks later, and have blooms through July. A wonderful cut flower selected for long sturdy stems that last upwards of a week if cut in cracked bud stage and dipped in boiling water or seared. 16-20” stems. A bit of confusion as to their biennial/perennial classification but we’ve always grown them here as annuals with great luck!
60- 75 days. UO

Packet: 100 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out early Spring.

Direct sow in late Fall or early Spring.

Note: We transplant all our poppies in the Spring because, such small seeds and such hungry slugs! Take care to keep plants from becoming root-bound and be gentle when transplanting. Poppies prefer cool soil. Slugs LOVE poppy plants so keep and eye out!

PLANTING DEPTH:

Surface sow or cover seeds very lightly

SPACING:

6-12″ in rows 1.5-2′ apart.

EMERGENCE:

14-30 days @ soil temp 50-70F

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Low to average. Tolerant to most soil types but prefers well-drained  and evenly moist soil with a pH between 6.0-7. Will tolerate low fertility.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

While not absolutely necessary, you may provide a staking or netting to keep them upright and tidy.

Be gentle with the roots when transplanting to avoid transplant shock that can cause very slow growth.

Transplant into cool soil. Iceland poppies flower best in cooler temps.

Continue to cut and deadhead and the plants will be wildly floriferous!

Harvest just at bud break, sear stems (10 seconds in boiling water/flame) and expect a 7 day vase life.