Papaver nudicaule Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro | Iceland Poppy | Light Pink

Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro is an exceptional Italian-bred Iceland Poppy with large, elegant flowers in a delicate light pink shade. The oversized, softly textured petals have the characteristic light, almost floating appearance of the Colibrì® series, making this variety particularly beautiful for sophisticated cut flower arrangements.

Colibrì® is a refined improvement on traditional Iceland Poppies. The series was developed through careful hybridisation to combine exceptionally large, regular flowers, slender stems and distinctive colours, ranging from intense shades to delicate pastels.

While individual plants may produce fewer stems than some standard Iceland Poppy varieties, the flowers are considerably larger and highly desirable for premium cut flower production.

Plants reach approximately 50 cm in height and can be grown in greenhouses, under protective netting or outdoors. Colibrì® performs especially well as a cool-season crop and is suitable for both professional cut flower growers and home gardeners.

Why is Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro special?

The beauty of Colibrì® lies in its combination of natural delicacy and impressive flower size.

Rosa Chiaro produces soft light pink flowers with large, beautifully formed petals and the elegant appearance characteristic of Iceland Poppies.

The variety is an excellent choice for:

• Cut flower gardens
• Professional flower production
• Greenhouse cultivation
• Outdoor beds
• Cottage-style gardens
• Borders
• Containers and decorative plantings
• Mild-climate winter and early spring production

The delicate appearance of the flowers contrasts beautifully with their slender stems, making Colibrì® poppies especially attractive in airy, natural and romantic floral arrangements.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Papaver nudicaule
• Series: Colibrì®
• Variety: Rosa Chiaro
• Common name: Iceland Poppy
• Flower colour: Light pink
• Plant height: approx. 50 cm
• Plant spacing: approx. 20 cm
• Growing type: Cool-season flowering plant
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Light, fertile and very well-drained
• Germination temperature: 15–18 °C
• Germination: approximately 2–4 weeks
• Time from sowing to flowering: approximately 100–120 days
• Main flowering period: May–July, depending on sowing time and climate
• Vase life: approximately 5–7 days
• Germination rate: approximately 80%
• Suitable for: Cut flowers, greenhouse and outdoor cultivation

How to Sow Papaver nudicaule Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro

Iceland Poppy seeds are very small and should be sown shallowly. Do not bury the seeds deeply.

For the most controlled results, sow into trays or individual cells filled with a fine, well-drained seed-starting substrate.

Sowing step by step

1. Fill a seed tray or plug tray with a fine, moist seed-starting mix.
2. Level the surface gently without compacting it too firmly.
3. Sow the tiny seeds on or very close to the surface of the substrate.
4. Press the seeds gently into the surface to ensure good contact with the moist substrate.
5. Cover only extremely lightly with fine vermiculite or substrate. The seeds should not be buried deeply.
6. Keep the substrate consistently moist during germination, but never waterlogged.
7. Maintain a temperature of approximately 15–18 °C.
8. Germination normally takes around 2–4 weeks.
9. Once seedlings are established, provide plenty of light and good air circulation.
10. Transplant carefully when the young plants are large enough to handle.

Because Iceland Poppies develop delicate roots, avoid unnecessary root disturbance. Growing seedlings in individual cells or plugs can make transplanting easier.

When to Sow

For spring and early summer flowering, seeds can be started indoors from January to April.

They may also be sown outdoors from approximately March to May, once conditions are suitable.

In regions with mild winters, sowing from August to October allows plants to establish during the cooler season for earlier flowering the following year.

Exact sowing times depend on local climate and whether the plants are grown outdoors or under protection.

Growing Conditions

Colibrì® Iceland Poppies prefer cool growing conditions, plenty of light and excellent drainage.

Choose a sunny position with light, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, permanently wet soil, particularly during cool weather.

For the strongest plants:

• Grow in full sun
• Provide excellent drainage
• Keep young plants evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Avoid excessive heat during early growth
• Provide good air circulation
• Space plants approximately 20 cm apart
• Protect young plants from severe frost and prolonged wet conditions

Colibrì® can be cultivated in a greenhouse, under protective netting or outdoors. Protected cultivation can be particularly useful for producing clean, high-quality stems for cutting.

Growing Colibrì® as a Cut Flower

Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro was developed with cut flower production in mind. Its large flowers, refined petals and slender stems give it a distinctive appearance in bouquets and floral design.

For the best vase performance, harvest when the flower bud has begun to split and the colour of the petals is just becoming visible – often referred to as the “split bud” stage.

Harvesting at this stage allows the flower to continue opening after cutting while protecting the delicate petals during handling.

Vase Life

Expected vase life is approximately 5–7 days under good conditions.

After harvesting:

• Cut stems with clean, sharp tools
• Harvest at the split-bud stage
• Place stems into clean water immediately
• The freshly cut stem ends can be dipped in boiling water for approximately 7–10 seconds
• Transfer immediately to clean water with flower food
• Keep flowers cool and away from direct sunlight while conditioning

This traditional treatment can help reduce sap loss from freshly cut poppy stems and improve their performance as cut flowers.

Natural Elegance in Every Petal

Colibrì® Poppies combine the spontaneous beauty of Iceland Poppies with the refinement of carefully selected Italian breeding.

Their large, regular petals, slender stems and elegant form make the series distinctive both in the garden and as a premium cut flower.

Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro is particularly beautiful for growers looking for soft, sophisticated colours. Its delicate light pink flowers bring an airy, romantic quality to bouquets while retaining the impressive flower size for which the Colibrì® series is known.

From seed to flower, Colibrì® Rosa Chiaro offers an unusual combination of Italian breeding, exceptional flower size and delicate pastel colour – a beautiful Iceland Poppy for cut flower gardens, greenhouses and seasonal garden displays.