Grow a garden filled with beautiful, double mixed Shirley Poppies from freshly harvested Papaver rhoeas flower seeds. These Shirley Poppies will produce a gorgeous blend of pastel colors in shades of pink, red and white. The flowers are double petaled, paper like in appearance and have yellow centers. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of roughly 12 to 30 inches tall, displaying attractive foliage and thin, furry stems.

Grown as an annual flowering plant, Shirley Poppies will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. They will bloom profusely for a few short weeks and then later wilt during the late Autumn season. Although Shirley Poppies are considered annual flowering plants, their seeds can fall to the bare ground, allowing new plants to emerge the following season. Like most Poppies, these plants are most attractive when sown by the masses. They can be seen in fields & in a naturalized setting, and often times look great in flower beds & raised beds as well.

Shirley Poppies are known to attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs & even hummingbirds as well. They are fairly easy to establish from seed, and can be scattered directly outdoors to the surface of the sowing area. Try combining Shirley Poppies with other varieties available through our Poppy Seed category.

Quick Facts

• Type: Flower
• Color: Pinks & Reds
• Height: 12" to 30" Tall
• Width: 10" Spread
• Season: Annual
• Zones: 3 to 9
• Environment: Full Sun

Sowing The Seed

Papaver rhoeas seeds grow best with a period of stratification, 4 weeks prior to sowing. Papaver rhoeas flower seeds are also best sown directly outdoors, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. The root system of these popular flowers is pretty weak until they are matured, so transplanting is out of the question. Remove all unwanted plant life from your sowing area, turning the dirt, or replacing it with fresh soil. Sprinkle the seeds to the surface of the soil, on a calm day, making sure that no high winds can blow the tiny seeds away. Do not cover your Papaver rhoeas flower seeds as they require light to germinate properly. Pat down the soil to keep the seeds in place.

Growing Conditions

Papaver rhoeas flowers will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day and thrive in temperatures of around 70F. The soil should be well drained and can be average to rich, although it prefers sandy soils most. Areas that consist of hard, compact soil will retain too much moisture, so mixing a light compost is recommended for improved drainage. Water daily, with a mist setting, allowing the seeds to receive an adequate amount of moisture, without drowning the seeds or causing them to wash away.

Germination & Growth

Seeds will begin to germinate within 14 to 28 days after sowing. The plants will reach a mature height of around 36 to 48 inches tall and can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Wild Bee Balm produces lavender pink colored blooms that attract an array of beneficial insects including bumblebees & butterflies.