WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
In early spring, especially if grown cold
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Iceland poppy is a perennial in its native land but has a biennial nature in our gardens. It blooms luxuriantly in spring from an August sowing into fertile, sharply drained soils outdoors. It is also often grown as an annual, sown indoors in pots in late January to flower the same year. Enchanting as bouquet flowers and effective in drifts in the cottage garden with spring bloomers in well-drained soils. Deadhead regularly for continuing bloom in cool summer areas. In areas with high heat and humidity, they are a spring delight only.
Watering Details:
These plants prefer evenly moist soil, but can tolerate some drought. About an inch of water per week applied to the soil around the plants..
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral—if soil is acidic, add some lime before planting.
Fertilizer:
Mix in 2" inches of compost prior to planting and supplement with one application of organic all purpose or high potassium rose fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
If slugs and snails damage seedlings, sprinkle the surrounding soil with pelletized iron phosphate, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut in the early morning when buds start to crack and show color. Hold stem tips in boiling water for about 20 seconds or sear the cut end of the stem with flame. Either method will allow for a beautiful but short-lived cutflower.
