Iceland poppy Wind Song Mix seeds

While it can be grown as a perennial with evergreen foliage in Nordic countries, the Icelandic Poppy 'Wind Song Mix' is considered an annual when summers are hotter and drier. It prefers slightly cool summers that ensure some atmospheric humidity. It thrives in well-draining soil that retains some deep moisture. This plant tolerates poor soil, where it remains small, but becomes more imposing in fertile soils. In regions with hot and dry summers, partial shade is favourable. Elsewhere, full sun is required. Its taproot should be able to penetrate deeply into the soil. For this reason, this plant is best sown directly in place, or transplanted at the young plant stage. It can thus truly be perennial and bloom faithfully for several consecutive years. It does not like to be transplanted or divided.

Sow fresh Icelandic Poppy seeds in January-February or August-September directly on well-prepared and clean soil, or in pots or trays under a cold frame.

Scatter the seeds on the surface of fine, well-drained soil, keeping it moist. Do not cover the seeds. Maintain a temperature of 18-20°C. Place the tray or pots in a propagator or under transparent plastic until germination, which takes 18 to 21 days. Light aids germination. Prick out the young plants when they are developed enough to handle, into 8 cm diameter pots. Place them in cooler conditions for 10 to 15 days to acclimatise gradually, and transplant them into the ground, at their final location, once all frosts have passed. Space the plants 15 cm apart.

You can also sow in a cold greenhouse or on a veranda in late summer or early autumn, which generally results in stronger plants. Position the plants in a bright location, watering sparingly. Plant them in the garden the following spring.