Growing Double Mixed Shirley Poppy Garden Seeds

Shirley Double Mixed Shirley poppy seeds are frost tolerant and can be sown directly outdoors in either late fall or early spring. Shirley poppy seeds have a wildflower growth habit and can be broadcasted similarly. Blend 1 part poppy seed to 5 parts sand to increase visibility during sowing and lightly rake and tamp. For earliest spring blooms, begin Shirley poppy seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior and transplant to either indoors or out. Whether sowing indoors or out, lightly cover 2-3 Double Mixed Shirley poppy seeds in Organically rich, medium moisture, and well-drained soil in full sun, or broadcast the seed-sand mix directly. Although Double Mixed Shirley poppy seeds thrive in many full-sun gardens, they will not perform well in drought. Poppies are susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis fungus in wet and poorly drained soils. Shirley poppies have no serious pests or diseases. Double Mixed Shirley poppy seeds mature in 84-91 days as 20-30" tall bushy uprights with a 12" spread stemming with 2" delicate paper-like bicolored florets of carmine and white.

The Shirley poppy was first crossed and hybridized in 1880 by British clergyman and horticulturalist William Wilks in his parish in Shirley, England. At first, Wilks only had a monotone white Shirley poppy but, after years of further selective crossing, he was able to promote and develop the reds and pinks available in today's Shirley poppy varieties.