Iceland Poppies: Winter Flower of North Texas

One might think that Iceland poppies would rank higher than ninth place for winter flowers in North Texas. Since most poppies are viewed upon as natural wildflowers in North Texas, it is understandable that Texans may forget that they can grow them in their own gardens. Just about anywhere your drive in the northern region of Texas you will find not just Iceland poppies, but poppies of all kinds throughout the year. What makes Iceland poppies so popular are their various looks in petals and colors. It's no wonder they stand out in gardens.

Besides being ranked number nine, these flowers are so commonly forgotten about when it comes to winter gardens. Texans drive by them all the time "oohing" and "aahing" at them along their drives from one town to another. Birds scatter their seeds across fields and meadows. They even wind up in some of the most unusual places. Since just about any poppy can range in size and color, even in the same family, to see them grown as a border is not all that common. This is not to say that this isn't done, but they are more stunning when planted haphazardly within a garden.

The most popular method of displaying poppies in gardens around North Texas is to have them growing in hanging baskets. Iceland poppies can grow up to 24" high, which would mean you need a low hanging basket for them to grow well. Therefore, they are best grown in large containers on patios and porches. They are best grown when temperatures will not be raising up above the 60s any time soon. These cool weather flowers can be planted as early as mid-October.

Iceland poppies are probably the second, third or fourth most photographed flower in the world with roses taking the number one slot. Tulips and orchids are right up there with poppies. To watch them bloom (which is not instantaneous) is breathtaking. Poppies are very colorful with their bud revealing the new color to be shown to all who are watching. Of course this happens over about a day and a half. You may want to have a camera ready to photograph your own Iceland poppies as they bloom.

The concern with growing Iceland poppies is that if they are not kept in well-drained moist soil they will revert back to being wild flowers. Some gardeners may like this as the poppies will reseed under certain conditions, while other gardeners may change their mind the following year and decide to plant something else. Iceland poppies are perennials, not annuals as some websites may state. Coincidentally, you may need to replant them, as they may not grow back the following year.

Should your Iceland poppies do grow back the next year in North Texas, do not be surprised if they try to take over your garden like marigolds do. They will take up as much of an area as they can with alkaline soil. Although they will also grow in rocky terrain as well because these poppies are not as finicky as one might think. Growing poppies is a fun hobby for one to have. Maybe now is the time to start thinking of growing them in your own garden.