Giant Italian Colibri Poppies - SALMONATO

Colibri Poppies are a Premium product grown for their very large tissue/paper like flowers, high yields, and beautiful colours.
X25 SEEDS approx per packet.

These Icelandic Poppies (Papaver nudicaule) are not to be confused with Opium Poppies (Papaver somniferous), grown for green pods. They are a significant improvement upon other selections of Icelandic Poppies and are therefore valued at a premium in the market. They can be grown in a greenhouse, tunnel, shade house or open field.

Colibri Poppy seeds can be tricky to germinate but are a very rewarding crop once this is mastered.

Dusting the soil surface with fine vermiculite and then sowing gives a moist environment without covering the seeds which need light to germinate. Sowing with the moistened end of a toothpick is the best way to deal with these tiny seeds.

Growing Conditions:
Ideal germination temperature is between +15°C and +18°C. Germination can be sporadic but can begin within 5-7 days. Do not allow soil to dry out during this period. Following germination, the plant is very sensitive to excess humidity, it is therefore recommended to avoid overhead irrigation and water from the bottom up.

Properly hardened off plants can be planted out after about a month. They will tolerate a light frost, but frost protection is beneficial. Plant in raised beds with spacing of 23-30cm, drip irrigation is best; keep moist but not wet. Well drained soil is very important. Watch out for slugs/snails and maintain low humidity by providing plenty of airflow. Grow as cool as possible.

Harvesting:
Summer seeded plants, planted out in the autumn will overwinter and flower early summer to mid-autumn if picked regularly.

The perfect stage to pick Poppies is when flowers are cracking. Ship with flower-shell for easy transportation and to avoid damaging the flowers. Once the flowers are open, they are much more difficult to handle and process.

To ensure the longest vase life, place the freshly picked Colibri Poppies in a clean bucket with clean water. Flower food gives a longer vase life, 5-7 days.