Iceland Poppy ‘Pastel Meadows’
Papaver nudicaule
Description
One of the most treasured spring flowers we grow, this magical blend of gold, peach, watermelon, blush, and white is breathtaking. A citrusy scent and abundant flowering habit stretching from early spring through midsummer make them a highly prized cutting garden addition. Technically considered a hardy perennial, poppies can survive even the coldest winters, but because they don’t do well in high heat they are often grown as a hardy annual or biennial.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual/biennial
Height: 12 to 15 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 12 to 15 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
If you’re growing as a biennial, start seed indoors in trays in late summer and transplant into the garden in the fall. If you’re growing as an annual, start seed indoors in trays 8 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are very small; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when buds are just starting to crack open. Once the flowers open fully, they’re more prone to damage by weather and rough handling, so frequent harvesting is recommended. For the longest vase life, immediately after harvest, sear stem ends using an open flame or dip in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, at which point you will notice the ends changing color and texture. On treated stems you can expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.
Details
Description
One of the most treasured spring flowers we grow, this magical blend of gold, peach, watermelon, blush, and white is breathtaking. A citrusy scent and abundant flowering habit stretching from early spring through midsummer make them a highly prized cutting garden addition. Technically considered a hardy perennial, poppies can survive even the coldest winters, but because they don’t do well in high heat they are often grown as a hardy annual or biennial.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual/biennial
Height: 12 to 15 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 12 to 15 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
If you’re growing as a biennial, start seed indoors in trays in late summer and transplant into the garden in the fall. If you’re growing as an annual, start seed indoors in trays 8 to 12 weeks before last frost and transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are very small; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when buds are just starting to crack open. Once the flowers open fully, they’re more prone to damage by weather and rough handling, so frequent harvesting is recommended. For the longest vase life, immediately after harvest, sear stem ends using an open flame or dip in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, at which point you will notice the ends changing color and texture. On treated stems you can expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
