Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy' mix
Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy' mix
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23000 Seeds
Seeding Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy Mix' is a beautiful way to grow a romantic, delicate wildflower with tissue-paper-like blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and bicolor pastels. The 'Shirley' poppies are a refined version of the common field poppy and are ideal for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, or naturalistic plantings. They’re easy to grow and provide a long season of color with minimal effort.
🌺 Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy Mix' – Seeding Guide
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardy annual |
| Height | 45–60 cm (18–24 in) |
| Spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring through summer |
| Flower Colors | Mix of soft pink, red, white, and pastel bicolors |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, moderately fertile |
| Water | Low to moderate |
| Best Use | Borders, meadows, wildflower gardens, cut flowers |
| Pollinators | Attracts bees and beneficial insects |
🌱 Step-by-Step Seeding Instructions
1. When to Sow
| Method | Timing |
|---|---|
| Outdoors | Early spring (as soon as soil is workable) or late fall (for spring germination) |
| Indoors | Not recommended – poppies dislike transplanting |
Direct sowing is highly recommended.
2. Direct Sowing Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Site Prep | Rake soil smooth and remove weeds |
| Sowing Depth | Surface sow – do not cover with soil |
| Spacing | Broadcast thinly; thin seedlings to 15–20 cm apart |
| Watering | Mist or water gently to avoid washing seeds away |
| Germination | 7–14 days at 12–18°C (55–65°F) |
Seeds need light to germinate, so press them gently onto the soil surface without covering.
☀️ Growing Conditions
| Factor | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours/day) |
| Soil | Light, well-drained, not overly rich |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Feeding | None needed – prefers poor to average soil |
✂️ Care & Maintenance
-
Do not transplant – sow where they are to bloom
-
Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
-
Deadhead to extend blooming, or let them self-seed
-
Flowers are short-lived in a vase, but buds can be harvested early and seared for longer vase life
🌸 Bonus Benefits
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Low-maintenance and fast-growing
-
Attracts bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
-
Excellent for wildflower meadows and pollinator patches
-
Poppies will often self-sow gently for next year’s blooms
🌿 Companion Suggestions
Plant alongside:
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Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)
-
Nigella damascena
-
Larkspur (Delphinium ajacis)
-
Orlaya grandiflora
-
Grasses for a soft, meadow-like effect
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