Cookies help us to offer you a personalised browsing experience and to measure our audience. You can configure them at any time and consult our privacy policy.

Read our policy

Get 10% off your first order with the code: FIRST-10
Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.

Papaver rhoeas Shirley Mixed - seeds

Papaver rhoeas Shirley Mix
Common Poppy, Field Poppy, Flanders Poppy, Red Poppy, Corn Poppy

Be the first to leave a review

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

An annual poppy with single flowers, in a mix of colours ranging from white to red, including various shades of pink and orange. The corollas are sometimes bi-coloured. The plants bloom abundantly in summer, attracting numerous pollinating insects. Poppy flowers are not demanding and grow and self-seed quietly in the sun. They tolerate poor, even heavy, chalky and degraded soil. Sowing them is foolproof, directly in the soil in spring.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
35 cm
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
18 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing
plantfit-full

Would this plant suit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Sowing period February to April
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time June to August
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Papaver rhoeas 'Shirley Mixed' is a mix of poppies with single flowers whose silky petals display a rich colour palette ranging from white to red, including orange and various shades of pink. Some may be edged with white while others are solid. Each packet contains these colours in random proportions. These poppies are undemanding plants that grow and self-seed quietly in the sun. They tolerate poor, heavy, chalky, and degraded soils. Essential in a wild or naturalistic garden!

The poppy (Papaver rhoeas), also known as field poppy, is an annual plant from the Papaveraceae family, native to Asia Minor. Papaver 'Shirley' is a selection derived from this lovely plant. The plants germinate in spring, flower in summer, and then die after producing seeds. They reach a height of 35 cm (14in) when in bloom, with a width of 30 cm (12in). The slender stems are rough and have few branches. The leaves are arranged alternately and divided into narrow, toothed lobes. When the stem is broken, it releases a milky white sap. The summer flowering extends from June to August, depending on the climate and sowing date. The open cup-shaped flowers have one or two rows of silky, slightly crumpled petals. The colour of the corolla gradually changes during flowering. The centre is adorned with numerous yellow stamens. The flowers are pollinated by insects and followed by capsules containing a large number of seeds that will be dispersed by the wind.

The 'Shirley Mixed' poppy works well in wild gardens, cottage gardens, and untended gardens, allowing for the quick and effortless creation of simple, evocative watercolour flower scenes, perfectly in tune with the summer light. While not very long-lasting when cut, poppy flowers have a captivating charm when paired with garden irises, large daisies, peonies, or the swaying foliage of grasses in flower beds. This annual plant, like cosmos and love-in-a-mist, is unmatched for filling areas around new constructions, open spaces among other annuals or large perennials that flower later, such as daylilies. If you do want to make bouquets with its flowers, you will need to cauterize the stems where they are cut, thus preventing the flowers from wilting during the day.

Report an error about the product description

Poppies and annual poppies: sowing, growing and care
Family sheet
by Viviane 12 min.
Poppies and annual poppies: sowing, growing and care
Read article

Flowering

Flower colour multicoloured
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 5 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour dark green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 35 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate very fast

Botanical data

Genus

Papaver

Species

rhoeas

Cultivar

Shirley Mix

Family

Papaveraceae

Other common names

Common Poppy, Field Poppy, Flanders Poppy, Red Poppy, Corn Poppy

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 19628

Other Flanders Poppy seeds

Poppy Pandora Seeds - Papaver rhoeas
Poppy Pandora Seeds - Papaver rhoeas
52
From 3,50 € • Seeds
Papaver rhoeas Dawn Chorus Mix - seeds
Papaver rhoeas Dawn Chorus Mix - seeds
35
From 4,50 € • Seeds
Papaver rhoeas Parelmoer
Papaver rhoeas Parelmoer
21
From 3,50 € • Seeds
Graines de Coquelicot Bridal Silk blanc - Pavot annuel
Poppy Bridal Silk Seeds - Papaver rhoeas
12
From 3,90 € • Seeds
Papaver rhoeas
Papaver rhoeas
10
From 3,50 € • Seeds
Graines de Coquelicot rouge - Pavot des moissons
Common poppy Seeds - Papaver rhoeas
1
From 2,10 € • Seeds
Poppy American Legion seeds - Papaver rhoeas
Poppy American Legion seeds - Papaver rhoeas
New arrival
12
2,90 € • Seeds
Graines de Coquelicot coccinelle - Papaver commutatum Ladybird
Ladybird poppy Seeds - Papaver commutatum La…
7
From 2,90 € • Seeds
View all →

Planting and care

Sow the 'Shirley Mixed' poppy seeds directly in place outdoors in spring. Choose a sunny spot with well-prepared soil. Sow the fine seeds just below the surface of the soil, mixing them with sand or fine compost to sow them less densely. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 18 to 22 days.

When the young poppy plants are large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings and space them 30cm (12in) apart. They should not lack water or nutrients during summer when they are in bloom. These plants readily self-seed in the garden. Remove faded flowers if you wish to prevent self-seeding.

Although they prefer clay and limestone soils, poppies are undemanding plants that adapt to most well-worked soils. Their seeds retain their viability for a long time, and it is not uncommon to see seedlings emerge years after a "failed" sowing, following soil disturbance.

Important note: all poppies are toxic. However, the seeds produced by the P. somniferum and P. paeoniflorum species can be consumed. Generally, the seeds are used in baking recipes (bread, brioche...)

Sowing period

Sowing period February to April
Sowing method Direct sowing
Germination time (days) 18 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Slope
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well worked, ordinary

Planting & care advice

  1. How to sow poppies (Papaver rhoeas) Quick overview - Best time to sow: autumn (Sept–Nov) for naturalised displays; early spring possible if ground not frozen. - Position: full sun, well‑drained soil; tolerates poor to moderately fertile soil. - Sowing method: direct sow outdoors — seeds are tiny and must not be buried. Step‑by‑step 1. Prepare seedbed - Clear weeds and break up large clods. Rake surface to a fine tilth and firm lightly so soil is level. 2. Mix seeds for even sowing - Mix seeds with a little dry sand to help distribute them evenly. 3. Sow - Scatter seeds thinly over surface. Do not cover or cover only with a dusting of fine soil (0–2 mm). Poppy seeds need light to germinate. - Aim to thin to about 10–15 cm between plants once established. 4. Watering after sowing - Water gently to settle seeds if soil is dry. Keep surface moist until seedlings emerge, then reduce frequency. Poppies dislike waterlogged conditions. 5. Germination and growth - Germination usually in 7–21 days at 10–18°C; autumn sown seed will usually germinate the following spring after winter chilling. 6. Thinning and care - Thin seedlings to final spacing to avoid overcrowding. Avoid high nitrogen feeds; a light, balanced feed only if soil is very poor. - Deadhead spent flowers to prolong flowering, or leave seedheads if you want self‑sown volunteers next year. 7. Avoid transplanting - Most annual poppies resent root disturbance; direct sowing gives best results. For perennial species (eg Papaver orientale), sow under cover and transplant when large enough. Sowing rate and timing - Tiny seeds: a pinch or 0.5–1 g per m² is usually sufficient for a good display. For drifts, sow more densely and then thin. - Flowering: often in late spring to summer after spring sowing; autumn sown plants often flower earlier in first summer. Problems and tips - Poppies thrive in lean, well‑drained soil — avoid rich, manured ground which promotes foliage at expense of flowers. - Slugs can attack young seedlings; protect if needed. - Sow in drifts rather than rows for a natural look. Combine with cornflower, chamomile or alliums for attractive wildflower-style borders. If you want, tell me which poppy species you plan to sow (common poppy, oriental poppy, opium poppy, etc.) and whether you prefer a meadow or border planting — I can give tailored instructions. Tips

    How to sow poppies (Papaver rhoeas) Quick overview - Best time to sow: autumn (Sept–Nov) for naturalised displays; early spring possible if ground not frozen. - Position: full sun, well‑drained soil; tolerates poor to moderately fertile soil. - Sowing method: direct sow outdoors — seeds are tiny and must not be buried. Step‑by‑step 1. Prepare seedbed - Clear weeds and break up large clods. Rake surface to a fine tilth and firm lightly so soil is level. 2. Mix seeds for even sowing - Mix seeds with a little dry sand to help distribute them evenly. 3. Sow - Scatter seeds thinly over surface. Do not cover or cover only with a dusting of fine soil (0–2 mm). Poppy seeds need light to germinate. - Aim to thin to about 10–15 cm between plants once established. 4. Watering after sowing - Water gently to settle seeds if soil is dry. Keep surface moist until seedlings emerge, then reduce frequency. Poppies dislike waterlogged conditions. 5. Germination and growth - Germination usually in 7–21 days at 10–18°C; autumn sown seed will usually germinate the following spring after winter chilling. 6. Thinning and care - Thin seedlings to final spacing to avoid overcrowding. Avoid high nitrogen feeds; a light, balanced feed only if soil is very poor. - Deadhead spent flowers to prolong flowering, or leave seedheads if you want self‑sown volunteers next year. 7. Avoid transplanting - Most annual poppies resent root disturbance; direct sowing gives best results. For perennial species (eg Papaver orientale), sow under cover and transplant when large enough. Sowing rate and timing - Tiny seeds: a pinch or 0.5–1 g per m² is usually sufficient for a good display. For drifts, sow more densely and then thin. - Flowering: often in late spring to summer after spring sowing; autumn sown plants often flower earlier in first summer. Problems and tips - Poppies thrive in lean, well‑drained soil — avoid rich, manured ground which promotes foliage at expense of flowers. - Slugs can attack young seedlings; protect if needed. - Sow in drifts rather than rows for a natural look. Combine with cornflower, chamomile or alliums for attractive wildflower-style borders. If you want, tell me which poppy species you plan to sow (common poppy, oriental poppy, opium poppy, etc.) and whether you prefer a meadow or border planting — I can give tailored instructions.

  2. How to sow annual seeds: directly in the ground or in trays? Tips

    How to sow annual seeds: directly in the ground or in trays?

  3. Damping off in sowing: understanding, combating, preventing Tips

    Damping off in sowing: understanding, combating, preventing

  4. 10 easy-to-sow annual flowers Tips

    10 easy-to-sow annual flowers

  5. Succeeding at sowing French marigold Tips

    Succeeding at sowing French marigold

  6. How to do your sowing in eggshells? Tips

    How to do your sowing in eggshells?

  7. Dried flowers: which ones to choose, how to dry them and maintain your bouquets? Tips

    Dried flowers: which ones to choose, how to dry them and maintain your bouquets?

  8. Beautiful hanging baskets of flowers Tips

    Beautiful hanging baskets of flowers

This item has not been reviewed yet - be the first to leave a review about it.

Leave a review →

Similar products

Graines de Nicotiana sylvestris - Tabac ornemental
Tobacco plant Seeds - Nicotiana sylvestris
19
From 3,50 € • Seeds
Oeillet d’Inde nain Tangerine - Tagetes patula nana
Tagetes patula nana Tangerine
5
From 1,60 € • Seeds
Graines de Calendula officinalis Porcupine - Souci des Jardins
Calendula officinalis Porcupine Seeds - Pot …
Exclusive
18
From 3,90 € • Seeds
Zinnia Persian Carpet Seeds
Zinnia Persian Carpet Seeds
Exclusive
22
From 2,50 € • Seeds
Jachère Papillons - Boîte pour 100 à 200 m²
Wildflower Mix for Butterflies
24
From 8,90 € • Seeds
Lathyrus odoratus Royal Wedding - Sweet Pea Seeds
Lathyrus odoratus Royal Wedding - Sweet Pea …
New arrival
19
From 4,90 € • Seeds
Passiflora edulis seeds
Passiflora edulis seeds
New arrival
13
From 5,50 € • Seeds

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Let's find plants fitting with your garden!