Poppy Seeds - Shirley Mixed Colors
- Seed Count: 750 seeds
- Maturity Date: 60-90 days after sprouting
- Color: Varies (often shades of red, pink, and white)
- Preferred Light: Sun
- Flower Form: Double or single petals
- Planting Seasons: Spring and Fall
- Height: Low-growing
- Additional Uses: Ornamental garden plant
History: The Shirley Poppy is a cultivated variety that traces its roots back to the wild field poppy. Reverend William Wilks, an English vicar and amateur botanist, is credited with developing this enchanting poppy in the 1880s. Through selective breeding, he achieved a range of softer colors and more intricate petal forms compared to the original red poppy. Since then, the Shirley Poppy has been a popular choice for gardens, celebrated for its diverse hues and delicate petals. It offers a different, yet equally mesmerizing, take on the traditional red poppy and has been cherished by gardeners for generations.
Uses: Primarily grown for its ornamental appeal, the Shirley Poppy adds a splash of color and whimsy to any garden setting. It is often used in flower beds, borders, and rock gardens, standing out for its varied colors and petal forms. Besides its visual allure, the Shirley Poppy is also a pollinator-friendly plant, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Although not typically used for cut flowers due to its relatively short vase life, its vibrant blooms can still make a short-lived but stunning addition to fresh bouquets.
Growth Habit and Planting Instructions: The Shirley Poppy is a low-growing plant that generally reaches maturity 60-90 days after sprouting. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the best results, sow your Shirley Poppy seeds directly into the garden soil during the favorable planting seasons of spring and fall. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and press them down gently; they don't require covering, as light aids in germination. Water the seeds well initially and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the plants are established, they are relatively easy to care for. The Shirley Poppy is an annual, but it often self-seeds, providing you with a new crop of vibrant blooms the following year without additional planting.