Poppy Colibri Bianco – “Papaver nudicaule”

Poppy Colibri Bianco, also known as Iceland Poppy (White), is a hardy, cool-season perennial grown as an annual in warmer climates. It features delicate, white, cup-shaped blooms with a striking yellow center. These poppies are highly valued for cut flower production, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Growing Conditions

✅ Plant Size:

• Height: 30–50 cm
• Width: 20–30 cm

✅ Climate:

• Prefers cool to mild temperatures and thrives in autumn, winter, and early spring.
• Well-suited for Western Cape, Gauteng, Free State, and other cooler regions in South Africa.
• Struggles in high heat and humidity; prefers temperatures below 25°C.

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost.
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5).
• Avoid heavy clay; improve aeration with sand or organic matter.

✅ Sunlight Needs:

• Requires full sun to partial shade (at least 5–6 hours daily).
• In hotter regions, provide light afternoon shade to prevent stress.

Planting Instructions

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Autumn (March–May) for winter and spring flowering.
• Late winter (June–July) in frost-free areas.

✅ Sowing Seeds:

• Direct Sowing: Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in (do not cover).
• Seed Trays: Start indoors and transplant seedlings when 5–7 cm tall.
• Spacing: 15–25 cm apart to allow airflow and healthy growth.

✅ Germination Time:

• 10–20 days at temperatures between 15–20°C.
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during germination.

Watering & Fertilization

✅ Watering:

• Water moderately; keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Reduce watering once plants are established to prevent root rot.

✅ Fertilization:

• At Planting: Enrich soil with organic compost or a balanced 5:5:5 fertilizer.
• During Growth: Apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to promote flowering.

✅ Mulching:

• Apply a thin layer of mulch (straw or bark) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

• Aphids & Thrips – Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Slugs & Snails – Use organic bait or handpick pests.

✅ Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew & Botrytis (Grey Mold) – Ensure good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if needed.
• Root Rot – Avoid waterlogging and plant in well-draining soil.

Flowering & Maintenance

✅ Bloom Time:

• Late winter through spring (depending on planting time).
• Flowers last several weeks with regular deadheading.

✅ Deadheading & Pruning:

• Remove spent blooms to extend the flowering period.
• Trim back old foliage to encourage fresh growth.

✅ Fragrance:

• Light, pleasant fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies.

Garden Uses & Companion Planting

✅ Companion Plants:

• Grows well with delphiniums, snapdragons, foxgloves, and daisies.
• Marigolds and lavender can help deter pests.

✅ Best Uses:

• Bedding plants, borders, containers, wildflower meadows, and cut flower gardens.
• Ideal for pollinator-friendly gardens, attracting beneficial insects.

Why Grow Poppy Colibri Bianco?

• Cool-season bloomer that adds elegance to winter and spring gardens.
• Low-maintenance, easy to grow, and drought-tolerant once established.
• Excellent cut flowers with a long vase life.

For best results, order your Poppy Colibri Bianco (Papaver nudicaule) seeds today and enjoy a breathtaking display of delicate white blooms in your garden! 🌼✨