The Essential Guide To The Iceland Poppy
Botanical Name: Papaver nudicaule
Common Name: Iceland Poppy
General Knowledge: The Iceland Poppy, despite its name, originates from the subpolar regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, flourishing in cooler climates and well-drained soil. It is renowned for its delicate, papery flowers and vibrant colours, which range from white and shades of yellow and orange to reds, salmon, and pinks, making it a favoured choice for ornamental gardening and floral arrangements. An interesting fact about the Iceland Poppy is that it possesses a unique mechanism to protect its reproductive parts from cold weather: the flowers close at night and during cold, windy conditions, ensuring the survival of the species in its harsh native habitats.
Colour Range: The Iceland Poppy exhibits a wide array of colours, including white, various shades of yellow and orange, reds, salmon, and pinks.
Australian Seasonal Availability: These flowers are predominantly available from late winter to spring in Australia.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Given their seasonal availability, Iceland Poppies are suitable for late winter to spring weddings and events in Australia.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Iceland poppies are commercially grown in Australia.
Imported into Australia: While they are cultivated locally, some specific varieties might be imported to meet demand or offer a wider selection.
Buying Tips: It is recommended to purchase Iceland Poppies when the hooded calyx has just split, revealing the colour of the petals inside, ensuring freshness and optimal bloom.
Design Tips and Advice: Iceland Poppies are best utilized in simple vase arrangements or mixed spring posies. They are not suited for arranging in floral foam or in bridal bouquets. Their simple and elegant structure makes them a charming addition to minimalist designs.
Flower Maturity: Ensure flowers are adequately matured, with the hooded calyx just split to reveal the petal colour, before selling.
Expected Vase Life: The typical vase life of an Iceland Poppy ranges from 3–5 days.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of Iceland Poppies can grow up to 50 cm in length.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch is variable.
Care and Handling: Iceland Poppies have a short vase life and thin stems, necessitating quick sales. Cool storage is not recommended. As they are geotropic, it is important to keep them upright or lay them flat during transportation to prevent the stems from bending.
Floral Preservatives: Use of floral preservatives is recommended for Iceland Poppies.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Iceland Poppies are not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: The optimal storage temperature for Iceland Poppies is between 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Do not mix Iceland Poppies with jonquils and daffodils unless those flowers have been conditioned in flower food for at least 6 hours. Avoid scalding or burning the stem ends, as these methods can damage the stem and promote bacterial growth, leading to rapid decay. Instead, use a rehydrating solution.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Cool rooms are not recommended for the storage of Iceland Poppies.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use of a rehydrating solution and floral preservatives is preferable to extend the vase life of Iceland Poppies.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: While Iceland Poppies are not ethylene sensitive, it is important to be cautious when storing or transporting them with flowers that are, and to follow proper conditioning protocols for those flowers.