Papaver nudicaule Summer Breeze Mixed

While it is grown as a perennial with evergreen foliage in Nordic countries, the Icelandic poppy is considered an annual or a short-lived perennial when summers are hot and dry. It prefers slightly cooler summers that provide some atmospheric humidity. It thrives in well-draining soil that retains some moisture at depth. This plant can tolerate poor soil, which remains small in size but becomes more imposing in fertile soils. In regions with dry summers, partial shade exposure is more favourable. Elsewhere, it requires full sun. Its taproot needs to be able to penetrate deeply into the soil.

For this reason, the plant should be sown directly in place or transplanted as a young plant. It can thus truly be perennial and faithfully bloom for several consecutive years. It does not like to be transplanted, let alone divided.

Sow fresh Icelandic poppy seeds in January-February or August-September. The sowing can be done directly in well-prepared and clean soil in pots or trays under cold frames.

Scatter the seeds on the surface of fine, well-drained soil, which should be kept moist. Do not cover the seeds. Maintain a temperature of 18-20°C (64.4-68°F). Place the tray or pots in a mini-greenhouse or under transparent plastic until germination takes 18 to 21 days. Light facilitates germination. Transplant the young plants when they are developed enough to be handled, into 8 cm (3in) diameter pots. Keep them in cooler conditions for 10 to 15 days to gradually acclimatise them, and then transplant them into the ground, in their final location, once the risk of frost has passed. Space the plants 15 cm (6in) apart.

You can also sow in a cold greenhouse or conservatory in late summer or early autumn, which generally results in more vigorous plants. Place the plants in a bright location, watering sparingly. Plant them in the garden the following spring.