Iceland Poppy Care Guide: How to Grow Iceland Poppies

Iceland poppies (Papaver nudicaule) are flowering plants known for their papery petals and tall, leafless stems. Sometimes called Icelandic poppies, they belong to the Papaveraceae family of flowering plants and are native to sub-arctic Asia and North America. The most popular Iceland poppy cultivar, ‘Champagne Bubbles’, gets its name from its exceptionally floaty, bright red petals. These showstoppers are right at home among other spring flowers such as tulips, zinnias, and California poppies.

Iceland poppies are technically perennial plants, but their short life span makes them better suited as annuals. They can withstand winter conditions and are drought-tolerant, making them a popular choice among flower growers. Poppy plants usually bloom in early spring or early summer, and they attract a variety of pollinators. As cut flowers, they have a vase life of up to a week.

Iceland Poppies thrive in mild climates—specifically USDA hardiness zones 2 to 8. For best results, sow your Iceland Poppy seeds in soil that is between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow your poppy seeds four to six weeks before the last frost of the season, as they tend to have a slow germination process. In warmer climates, seeds can be sown in summer for a winter bloom. Otherwise, sow your seeds toward the middle of fall for a late-spring bloom. It's best to start your Iceland poppies directly outdoors rather than growing seedlings indoors, as they do not take well to transplanting.

First-time growers will find that Iceland poppies require a bit of effort, but their vibrant blooms make for a rewarding experience.

• Place them in a sunny location. Iceland poppies need lots of light, so choose an area that gets full sun or partial shade.
• Sow your seeds close to the surface. Iceland poppy seeds are wildflower seeds, so sow them on top of the soil or just below the soil's surface. Sow seeds in groups of three, spacing them about six inches apart. Once planted, it will take about 10 to 15 days for seedlings to emerge.
• Water poppy seedlings regularly. Keep your seedlings well-watered—especially in hot, summer conditions—but do not soak them.
• Scatter mulch around the plants. Once your poppies are established, scatter mulch at the base of the flowers to help prevent weeds, retain soil moisture, and keep the roots cool.
• Deadhead spent blooms. To keep your plants healthy and promote growth, clip off old blooms as they die—a technique called deadheading.
• Harvest poppy flowers. When it comes time to cut flowers, pick them just as the buds begin to crack and expose a tiny sliver of color. To extend their vase life, briefly sear the cut part of the stems using a lighter, blowtorch, or boiling water. Then, place them in a vase with plant food.

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