Arctic poppy offers a cold hardy perennial flower that is adaptable to most of the regions of the United States. Also called Iceland poppy plant, this herbaceous, low-growing plant produces numerous single papery blooms in a wide range of colors. Iceland poppy growing conditions are extremely variable, making this short-lived perennial a natural choice for a variety of landscape situations. Once you know how to grow Arctic poppies, they will grace your garden for decades, as the blooms will self-sow for a constant supply of these lovely flowers.
Arctic Poppy Facts
Papaver nudicaule is the botanical name for the Iceland poppy plant. The plants provide an alternative for beds and borders, containers, rocky areas, and cottage gardens. The cheery blooms are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm.) across and consistently produce during spring. These plants are propagated primarily through seed sown in spring or late summer. Arctic poppy’s native range is arctic to sub-arctic climes. They are tolerant of temperate zones, provided there is not an excess of humidity. As an alpine plant, the flowers are cup-shaped and follow the sun to absorb more solar energy in low-light regions. Blooms have crinkly tissue paper petals in a wide range of hues including yellow, red, white, and orange. Complete disclosure of arctic poppy facts should mention the blooms’ short-lived nature, but rest assured, a constant supply of the chubby hairy buds is produced during the entire season. Plants form from a basal rosette and develop wiry, furry stems with broad green buds. The fruit is bloated, oblong, and 5/8 inch (2 cm.) long filled with tiny black seeds.
How to Grow Arctic Poppies
These festive little flowers are easy to grow. Direct sow seeds in cultivated soil in spring or early summer. Iceland poppies are difficult to transplant, so it is a good idea to plant them where they will permanently grow. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter and choose a full sun location. Seedlings need moisture to mature and thrive, but plants started in early spring can usually garner enough moisture from seasonal rains. Experts recommend fertilizing frequently to keep stands strong and productive. A balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted in the irrigation water promotes blooms and sturdy flower stems.
Iceland Poppy Care
You can plant the seeds and simply sit back and watch them bloom in most cases. A good tip on Iceland poppy care is to deadhead. Heavy spring rains tend to weigh down delicate flowers and cause them to nod in the mud. Remove spent blooms and their seed heads to allow new buds to develop more fully. Arctic poppy is resistant to deer and attractive to butterflies. The tender petals retain their best form when watering is done from the underside of the plant. Blooms only last a few days but with good care, the entire stand will burgeon with flowers for three months or more.
-
Growing Spotted Bee Balm: Find Out How To Grow Horsemint For Your Pollinator GardenFor anyone looking to cultivate native flowering plants that attract pollinators, spotted bee balm is a must! We show you how to grow horsemint for friendly garden visitors
-
6 Real Christmas Tree Problems To Watch Out For – And How To Fix Them FastGet back to enjoying the glory of your natural Christmas tree with our guide to troubleshooting common issues, from needle drop to watering woes.
-
Can You Grow Iceland Poppy Indoors – Caring For Iceland Poppy In A PotIf you don’t have the room to grow these plants in a flower bed, you can still grow Iceland poppy in a pot.
-
History Of Red Poppies – Why Red Poppy For RemembranceWhy red poppy for remembrance? How did the tradition of red poppy flowers begin more than a century ago? Click here to find out.
-
Popular Poppy Varieties: Types Of Poppies For The GardenPoppies add a splash of color to the flower bed, they're easy to grow and there are hundreds of poppy varieties to choose from. With so many poppies available, the biggest problem for gardeners is narrowing down the selection! This article can help with that.
-
Planting Poppies In Containers: How To Care For Potted Poppy PlantsPoppies are beautiful in any garden bed but poppy flowers in a pot make a stunning display on a porch or balcony. Potted poppy plants are simple to grow and easy to care for. Click on the following article to learn more about container care for poppies.
-
Alpine Poppy Info: Information On Growing Rooted PoppiesAlpine poppy is a wildflower found in high elevations with cold winters. Believed to be one of the world’s most north-growing plants, if you’re a chilly climate gardener, you’ll definitely want to learn about growing alpine poppies. Find out how in this article.
-
Double Poppy Info: Learn About Growing Double Flowering PoppiesIf you are a fan of peonies and can't get enough or have difficulty growing them, then you may want to consider growing peony poppies, also known as double poppies. Wait, aren't they illegal? Click this article for additional double poppy information.
-
No Oriental Poppy Flowers – Reasons For Oriental Poppies Not BloomingOriental poppies are among the showiest of perennials, with big, bright blooms that light up a spring garden. But having no flowers on oriental poppies can happen some years, and it?s a real disappointment. Learn why it happens and what to do in this article.
-
Saving Poppy Seeds : How And When To Harvest Poppy SeedsPoppies have a bad reputation as part of the opium trade, but for gardeners, they are simply lovely blooms in brilliant colors. These easy-to-grow plants are also simple to propagate from seed. Learn when to harvest poppy seeds in this article.
