Arctic Poppies

Botanical Name

:

Papaver radicatum

Plant Type

:

Biennial

Seasons

:

Spring, Summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun (6–8 hours per day)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

50–65°F (10–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, sandy, rocky, or gravelly soil.

Germination

:

14–21 days at 55–65°F (13–18°C). Seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination rates.

P.H. Level

:

5.5–7.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Low water needs; adapted to dry conditions once matured. Keep soil moist during germination and early growth stages.

Fertilization

:

Not necessary due to its adaptation in nutrient-poor Arctic soils, however, balanced fertilizer can enhance growth if applied sparingly.

Habit

:

Low-growing, clump-forming

Final Plant Height

:

5–15 inches (13 cm–38 cm)

Spread

:

6–12 inches (15–30 cm)

Spacing

:

6–10 inches (15–25 cm)

Flowers

:

Cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, or cream; blooms in late spring to early summer

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Uses

:

Rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders, containers, and cut flowers.

Companions

:

Sedum, Thyme, Dianthus, and other low-growing, sun-loving plants

Pruning

:

Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season.

Toxicity

:

Contains toxic compounds used defensively against herbivores; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or humans

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant; occasional aphids, slugs, or caterpillars.

Diseases

:

Susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in poorly drained soil.

Additional Info

:

The Arctic poppy’s hairy stems help protect it from cold winds and retain heat.

Botanical Name

:

Papaver radicatum

Plant Type

:

Biennial

Seasons

:

Spring, Summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun (6–8 hours per day)

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

50–65°F (10–18°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, sandy, rocky, or gravelly soil.

Germination

:

14–21 days at 55–65°F (13–18°C). Seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination rates.

P.H. Level

:

5.5–7.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Low water needs; adapted to dry conditions once matured. Keep soil moist during germination and early growth stages.

Fertilization

:

Not necessary due to its adaptation in nutrient-poor Arctic soils, however, balanced fertilizer can enhance growth if applied sparingly.

Habit

:

Low-growing, clump-forming

Final Plant Height

:

5–15 inches (13 cm–38 cm)

Spread

:

6–12 inches (15–30 cm)

Spacing

:

6–10 inches (15–25 cm)

Flowers

:

Cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, or cream; blooms in late spring to early summer

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Uses

:

Rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders, containers, and cut flowers.

Companions

:

Sedum, Thyme, Dianthus, and other low-growing, sun-loving plants

Pruning

:

Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season.

Toxicity

:

Contains toxic compounds used defensively against herbivores; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or humans

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant; occasional aphids, slugs, or caterpillars.

Diseases

:

Susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in poorly drained soil.

Additional Info

:

The Arctic poppy’s hairy stems help protect it from cold winds and retain heat.