The Iceland Poppy is a hardy, but short-lived perennial, grown as a biennial. They self sow readily, so they will last for years at a time. The large, cup shaped blooms have a texture like crepe paper and appear in a range of subdued pastel colours - apricot, gold, tangerine, and white. Sow Iceland Poppy seeds in early spring or late fall where they are to grow permanently. The flower stalks grow to around 30c (12") tall, and are among the longest-lasting poppies as cut flowers. They are highly attractive to honeybees and bumblebees, with seeds that are easy to collect and disperse. Unlike the California Poppy, this variety usually remains where it was planted. All parts of the plant are mildly toxic, but acrid enough that animals will not eat them.

Iceland poppies (Papaver nudicaule) are flowering perennials that thrive in subarctic regions, but are often planted as annuals in warmer climates. The foliage is feathery and grows from fuzzy, leafless flower stems. Poppy flowers are brightly colored with four paper-thin, silky, and ruffled petals. The specific variety Iceland poppies can range in color from red to pink, orange, yellow, and even white.

Plant seeds in their permanent outdoor space in late winter or early spring. Though these very slow-growing plants germinate from seed fast, they can take a while to bloom and usually start in late spring to early summer. Like other poppies, Iceland poppies contain alkaloids that are toxic to humans and animals.1

Botanical Name    Papaver nudicaule
Common Name    Iceland poppy, Arctic poppy
Family    Papaveraceae
Plant Type    Perennial
Mature Size    1–2 ft. high, 1–2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure    Full, partial
Soil Type    Rich, well-drained
Soil pH    Neutral
Bloom Time    Spring, summer
Flower Color    Pink, red, orange, yellow, white
Hardiness Zones    2–7 (USDA)
Native Area    North America, Europe, Asia
Toxicity    Toxic to humans, toxic to pets

Iceland Poppies Care
Iceland poppies are cold-hardy plants, even with their delicate-looking blooms. These perennials are also excellent deer-resistant plants. Here are the main care requirements for growing Iceland poppies:

Plant in full sun to part shade.
Make sure the soil is rich and well-draining.
Avoid watering too much or too little—Iceland poppies prefer evenly moist soil. Water near the soil to prevent damaging delicate blooms.
Feed on a consistent schedule using a balanced fertilizer.
Light
Although they enjoy cool temperatures, Iceland poppies require a lot of sunshine. They can be grown in partial shade, too, if necessary.

Soil
Iceland poppies need rich, well-draining soil. Simply beware of fungal growth, as this can pose a problem for Iceland poppies; be mindful of watering, which can help to minimize any damage.

Water
Overwatering is usually the biggest issue with Iceland poppies, as soggy soil can cause blight of fungus. Create a consistent watering schedule, and ensure you're not drowning them when doing so.
Delicate Blooms
Avoid spraying water on the flowers and leaves, as the weight of the droplets can damage the delicate blooms. Water close to the soil.

Temperature and Humidity
Iceland poppies are hardy plants and enjoy cooler temperatures. They do not handle heat or humidity well; warmer climates pose a problem for this perennial as a result.

The only exception is when you start Iceland poppies from seed. To germinate, the seeds prefer a slightly warmer and moist climate. Once they sprout, however, they must be moved to a cooler, drier area with full light, or the warmer, humid environment could kill your new seedlings.

Fertilizer
Iceland poppies thrive from a consistent and frequent fertilizing schedule. Use a well-rounded, balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, to give your plants the nutrients they need.

How often you fertilize depends on the soil. If you have rich soil, you may only need to fertilize once or twice per growing season. Otherwise, your poppies will appreciate consistent food; aim for every other week or so.