Shirley Double Mix Poppy – Approx 200 Seeds

Shirley Double Mix Poppy (Papaver Rhoeas) is a classic mix of Papaver poppy varieties, consisting of graceful double flowering cultivars producing large silky textured flowers in beautiful pastel colors including red, salmon, orange, pink, purple and a range of bi-colors. The flowers are double petaled, paper like in appearance and have yellow centers. The name Shirley refers to the town in Surrey, England, where the Rev. Henry Wilkes originally raised the variety. Great for attracting beneficial pollinators like bumble bees and honeybees. Flowers of Poppy Shirley Double Mix are suitable for use as cut flower in floral displays.

Growing Shirley Double Mix Poppy

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing: Autumn, Winter and Early Spring.

• Poppies are best when they are grown from seed that is planted in autumn or winter, even in cold winter areas. They can also be sown in early spring, about a month before your last frost date.
• Poppies are difficult to transplant as the plants develop a taproot, so starting them indoors is not recommended.
• Choose a sunny spot with good drainage. Weed the area and rake to a fine tilth.
• Pour some poppy seeds into your hand and sprinkle them very thinly across the ground.
• Allow 7-30 days to germinate, depending on the variety, soil condition and growing temperatures. Keep the soil moist during germination.
• Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to around 30cm  apart.