Iceland Poppy ‘Champagne Bubbles Pink’ (Papaver nudicaule) 20 seeds

Iceland Poppy ‘Champagne Bubbles Pink’ (Papaver nudicaule) – dense foliage and strong stems supporting large, cup-shaped flowers. Flower color ranges from watermelon-pink to coral-pink, often with an orange undertone. Has a citrus-like fragrance.

Technically, Iceland poppies are considered perennials and can withstand cold winter temperatures. However, because they are sensitive to heat, flower growers typically cultivate them as hardy annuals or biennials.

Seeds are best started indoors, bottom-watered in seed trays, and barely covered with soil. The optimal germination temperature is 21 ºC (70 ºF). Seeds are usually sown about 8 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden. Although the seedlings may seem too small and delicate to plant, it is important not to leave them in trays for more than 10 weeks. Once transplanted, plants rapidly develop new growth and typically flower about 6 weeks later. Seeds can also be sown in late summer and transplanted in early fall to establish and flower the following spring. If fall sowing is not possible, seeds should be started no later than mid-February to ensure blooming before the summer heat.

The best stage to harvest Iceland poppies is when the buds are just beginning to open and a slight hint of color is visible – the “cracking bud” stage. The main reason growers fail with Iceland poppies is insufficient care during seed sowing. This crop cannot be direct-seeded; seeds must be started in trays and transplanted into well-prepared soil at the right time.

Iceland poppies have a long vase life – up to one week when harvested at the proper stage and properly treated. Immediately after harvest, stems should be briefly seared with an open flame or boiling water for 7–10 seconds and placed in water containing flower food to extend freshness.