Shirley Poppy (Papaver Rhoeas) - The drought tolerant Shirley Poppy comes from Shirley, England, where in the 1880s, a local vicar carefully selected and hybridized Poppies in his own wild flower garden. Over many years he obtained a strain of Poppies ranging in colors from white to pale lilac to pink and red, and unlike the wild Poppies these had no dark blotches at the base of the petals. Over the years, further wildflower Poppy selection has created the semi-double and double forms, as well as flowers with a ring of contrasting color around the edge called the picotee form. Easily grown from Shirley Poppy seeds, xeriscape gardeners enthusiastically grow this variety for the wonderful display of diverse color and forms and water conservation. How to Grow Poppies: Directly sow Poppy seeds in early spring before frosts have finished. Shirley Poppies grow best in loose soil that drains well. Press the flower seeds firmly into the soil and keep the soil moist until germination.

Poppy Seeds | Shirley

How to Grow

Directly sow Poppy seeds in early spring before frosts have finished. Shirley Poppies grow best in loose soil that drains well. Press the flower seeds firmly into the soil and keep the soil moist until germination.

• Sowing Rate: 2/3 ounce per 1000 square feet or 2 pounds per acre
• Depth: Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
• Average Germ Time: 21 - 28 days

Flower Specifications

Approximate seeds per pound: 3,401,942.

• Plant Spacing: 12 inches
• Height: 12 - 15 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 9