Papaver nudicaule

 |1 OZ|

 Get a pot you can water from the bottom, fill it with dirt, pack it down, sprinkle the poppy seeds on top, sprinkle enough powdery dry soil on top to cover the seeds so very lightly- they do need some light for germination, and keep moist, preferably from the bottom although you can also mist from the top. Iceland poppies sprout in about a week. In hot weather the sprouts may keel over just after coming up so it is best to do this when it is relatively cool, indeed one set of directions said they need about 55F at night. They have petals that are thin enough that much sunlight gets through making them seem brighter than the usual flower.  Native to subpolar regions of Europe, Asia and North America, and the mountains of Central Asia, Iceland poppies are hardy but short-lived. Will self seed and come back year after year with the right conditions. Drought tolerant once the plant has been established. Height of 6-12 inches with a spread of 6-12 inches. Full sun or partial shade, with soil that is normal to sandy. Iceland poppies attract butterlies, bees and hummingbirds. Plant seeds of the Iceland poppy plant in fall. Seed directly into the flower bed that will be the permanent location of the Iceland poppy flower, as growing Iceland poppies do not transplant well.

Tips On When And Where To Plant Wildflower Seeds
Sowing wildflower seeds is one of the simplest forms of gardening, fun do do with kids and a rewarding activity for gardeners of all ages. A few simple steps will increase your success in wildflower gardening.

First, find out what your gardening zone is. Take a look at our zoning information. Don't plant wildflowers when frost is still a danger in the early months of the year, or when frost is about to set in near year's end. In most regions, the optimal planting time for wildflowers begins as soon as all danger of frost has past and warmer days are ahead.

Do you live in California, Florida or southern Texas? Times of frost are minimal in your area, and you can plant wildflowers in all but the coldest weeks of the year, or the very hottest part of summer. In California, most gardeners plant their wildflower seed in the early winter, so that it is sitting there ready for the first rains to wake it up! In Florida, however, fall is a better time to plant wildflower seeds.

Are you in a rainy corner of the country? Plant before your local rainy season begins, ensuring that your wildflowers will have plenty of time to germinate and establish themselves before summer heat hits in.

In many parts of the country, both annual and perennial wildflower seeds will become permanent parts of the garden, growing either via reseeding or by living on from year to year on their own roots.

If you aren't sure about your zone or optimal wildflower planting time, you can contact your local Ag Department.

How To Plant Your Wildflower Seeds
To ensure even sowing of wildflower seeds, try mixing sand or vermiculite with 1/2 the amount of seeds you've purchased. Sow by scattering this throughout the desired area, and then go back over the area with the plain seed (not mixed with sand or vermiculite). This will help you to avoid a patchy look.

Don't rake or cover your wildflower seeds with dirt. Instead, after you've finished scattering the wildflower seed, simply walk over the area in your shoes - or barefoot if you're a nature-loving guy or gal! This will gently compress the seeds into the soil without burying them.

If you're expecting rain within a week or so of sowing your wildflower seed, there is no need to water. But, if you live in a dry area or can't count on rain, mist the wildflower seed growing area with a hose or gentle sprinkler. Keep the seed bed moist until the little plants are established or rain is falling on its own without help from your garden hose! Germination times are unique to each variety with some appearing in as little as a week and others taking many weeks to germinate. Be patient - each variety will start growing at the time that is right for it.