Iceland Poppy Seeds

Surface sow Iceland Poppy flower seeds, as they need light to germinate. Just press them onto the soil and don’t cover them. In zones 5–9, sow Poppy iceland seeds in fall for early spring bloom; in colder climates, start in spring when soil temperature is 55–65°F (13–18°C). Iceland Poppy seeds germinate in 10–20 days when conditions are favorable. 

Iceland Poppy flower prefers full sun, though in zones 7 and above, a bit of afternoon shade buys you extra weeks of bloom. Heavy clay soil is a problem because wet, cold clay in early spring rots the crown before the plant gets going. Sandy or loamy, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.5–7.0 — that's the target. Water consistently and lightly. Once established in cool weather, these need less attention than most spring annuals.

Regularly deadhead and the heirloom Iceland Poppy flowers keep blooming. Leave spent blooms and the plant puts all its energy into seed production. One feed of balanced fertilizer in early spring is enough. Flower declines once daytime temperatures push above 80°F (27°C). If you want to save seed, let a few pods ripen fully on the stem until they rattle when shaken. 

To use flowers for handpicked bouquets, cut stems right after opening, put them into boiling water for 10-20 seconds or sear the ends over a flame and put into a vase with cold water. In that way your flowers will last 5–7 days in a vase.