Botanical Interests
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Product Details
Product Details
An heirloom from the 1880s, Shirley poppies have delicate, 2"–3" blossoms on slender, nodding stems that sway even in the slightest breeze. A care-free annual, the plants self-sow making them ideal for naturalized areas.
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
Variety Info
Family: Papaveraceae
Type: Corn Poppy (Learn More)
Native: Europe, Africa, Asia
Hardiness: Annual
Exposure: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Spring to summer
Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall and wide
Variety Info: 2"–3" tissue paper-like petals in rose, white, pink, and red shades.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, or as soon as soil can be worked; or fall for bloom the following spring. Mild Climates: Only fall sowing recommended.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; does not transplant well.
Sprouts in: 10–15 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): Press into surface
Space Seeds: A group of 3 seeds every 6"-8"
Thinning: When 1"–2" tall, thin to 1 every 6"–8"
- Grace B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 15, 2026Great germination rate and they’re so beautiful!
First time planting poppy seeds. We had trouble with bunnies eating the young plants but I put a greenhouse over it and they’ve started to bloom beautifully. They do flop a little, maybe watering from the hose was too strong? Would love advice on how to keep them growing upright!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningJul 21, 2026Hey Grace,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Shirley Single Blend Corn Poppy Seeds! It's awesome that you got such great germination on your first poppy growing adventure - that's such a fantastic start! And we totally get the bunny situation - those little guys can definitely be a challenge, but it sounds like your greenhouse solution worked perfectly to protect them while they got established! Our Shirley Blend tends to have what we call nodding stems - they are slender and will sway in the slightest breeze. When dealing with a delicate stem type like that, watering overhead can cause them to get knocked down and flop, so yes, watering from the hose might be the culprit here.
These don't typically require fertilizer, but they do like well-drained soil. Once mature, they can be somewhat drought-tolerant but of course will do better with regular watering, especially in hot weather when everything can wilt a little. Just water at the base of the plants, and they should have better results! Thanks for sharing your poppy growing success and for being such a thoughtful first-time poppy grower! Keep on growing 🌻️ - cindee d.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsApr 16, 2026Shirley Poppy
This is my first time planting poppy seeds in the southeast. They took quite a while to bloom, but it was worth the wait. They are so pretty..
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningApr 19, 2026Hey Cindee,
We're so happy to hear your Shirley Single Blend Corn Poppy Seeds finally bloomed beautifully for you! Poppies can definitely take their sweet time, especially when they're getting established in a new climate like the southeast, but aren't they just stunning when they finally show off? Those delicate, papery petals in all those gorgeous colors make the wait so worthwhile! Your patience really paid off, and we're thrilled you're enjoying these lovely blooms in your garden. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Honey C.Rated 5 out of 5 starsMar 19, 20255 Stars
Big, strong plants. I am in Zone 9b and sowed these seeds in November/December! I direct sowed using a variety of different methods so I can’t say much for the germination rate. I find I prefer to buy different seeds from different companies bc different flowers are more value-priced at different companies. From the poppy seeds I ordered from Bakers Creek and Migardener, BI definitely had the most for the price! Lots of room for error.
- Laura F.Rated 5 out of 5 starsJun 9, 20245 Stars
First time planting poppy seeds. Took about 3 months from planting seeds to seeing blooms. Flowers have been blooming for the past month - so pretty! I'm in Zone 9b.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Misae E.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsSep 6, 20235 Stars
Honey bees enjoyed My poppy garden.
Many different colors poppy grew great this Spring to Summer.
Thank you.
