Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Shirley Poppy Single Mix

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Shirley Poppy is a hardy cool-season annual and is best grown by direct sowing outdoors. Poppies dislike transplanting, so sowing directly into the garden gives the best results.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Shirley Poppy seeds tolerate light frost. In mild climates, seeds can also be sown in fall for blooms the following season.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny or partly shaded location with well-drained soil. Shirley Poppy grows well in poor to average soil and can tolerate dry conditions once established. Avoid waterlogged soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Avoid rich, heavily fertilized soil, as this can encourage leafy growth instead of flowers.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared area. For easier spreading, mix 1 part seed with 10 parts dry sand before broadcasting. Thin seedlings later so plants are spaced about 6 to 12 inches apart.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Do not bury the seeds. Press them gently into the soil surface so they make firm contact but remain exposed to light. Shirley Poppy needs light to germinate. At most, dust with a very thin layer of fine soil or vermiculite.
• 6. Water the Area
  Mist gently with a fine spray to settle the seeds. Keep the soil moist for 7 to 14 days until germination. Use a fine mist only - a strong stream of water may wash the seeds away.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, Shirley Poppy is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering. Plants can grow up to 30 inches tall and usually bloom from late spring through early summer.

Starting Indoors (Not Recommended)

Starting indoors is not recommended for Shirley Poppy. These plants do not like root disturbance and usually perform best when direct-sown outdoors.

• 1. Use Biodegradable Pots Only
  If indoor starting is necessary, use biodegradable pots so the entire pot can be planted without disturbing the roots.
• 2. Surface Sow the Seeds
  Sprinkle seeds on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix and press them in gently. Do not cover heavily, as the seeds need light to germinate.
• 3. Keep Cool and Moist
  Keep the growing medium lightly moist and place the pots in a cool, bright location.
• 4. Transplant Carefully
  Move plants outdoors after danger of hard frost has passed. Plant the entire biodegradable pot into the soil to reduce transplant shock.

Growing Tips

• Direct sow only for best results - poppies dislike being transplanted.
• Shirley Poppy grows best in full sun to partial shade.
• Seeds need light to germinate - press into the soil surface and do not bury.
• Mixing tiny seeds with dry sand helps spread them more evenly over a large area.
• 1 oz covers up to 1,500 sq ft.
• Thin seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart for better airflow and stronger plants.
• Keep soil moist during germination, then water only occasionally once plants are established.
• Plants can grow up to 30 inches tall.
• Blooms appear from late spring through early summer.
• Shirley Poppy self-sows readily and may return the following year.