Poppy 'Shirley Double' Seeds
Papaver Rhoeas ‘Shirley Double’
Frilly, tissue-paper blooms in reds, whites and pinks, Poppy ‘Shirley Double’ is a classic double poppy grown for cut flowers. These Shirley poppy seeds are perfect for sowing in drifts, producing airy stems ideal for bouquets as well as relaxed cottage-garden borders and pots.
Approx 2500 seeds
- Pot Fans
- Cut Flowers
- Likes Sun
- Pollinator-Friendly
Poppy 'Shirley Double' Seeds – Quick Growing Guide
Poppy 'Shirley Double' seeds produce charming double-flowered poppies ideal for brightening gardens and bouquets. Sow outdoors from March to September; they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. These hardy plants thrive with moderate watering and offer vibrant blooms from late spring to early summer.
How to Sow, Grow and Harvest Poppy 'Shirley Double' Seeds
- Sow:March–September, direct or in pots
- Germination:7–14 days
- Grow:Full sun, well-drained soil, space 15cm apart
- Water:Moderate; keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest:Pick flowers when buds begin to open for cut blooms
- Best for:Beds, borders, cut flower gardens
Native to the UK, Shirley Double poppies flourish when sown in drifts, creating a delightful display as they sway in the summer breeze. Ideal for garden beds, containers or as cut flowers to brighten your home.
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Grow in Your Garden
Calendar
How to Grow
Poppy Shirley Double seeds are best sown outdoors directly into well-drained, light, airy soil during early spring or autumn, specifically from March to May and August to October. They thrive in full sun, which helps establish strong roots for their abundant, frilly blooms.
Sowing
Scatter the seeds thinly on firm, moist soil and press them lightly into the surface without covering, as these poppy seeds require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge to ensure successful germination.
Growing
Once seedlings appear, thin them to about 20cm apart to allow each plant enough space to develop their characteristic 0.3m height and 0.2m spread. This spacing supports healthy growth in garden beds, terraces, or containers with a pot size of at least 25cm.
Plant care
After establishment, Shirley Double poppies need minimal care but should be watered during prolonged dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming from June to September, or leave seedheads on to allow gentle self-seeding for future seasons.
About Poppy 'Shirley Double'
Shirley Double poppies are prized as cut flowers for their delicate, multi-layered petals and soft, romantic colour palette. Unlike heavier double poppies, their slender stems move beautifully in arrangements and dry well for informal displays. Regular cutting encourages continued flowering through early summer.
- Pot Fans
- Cut Flowers
- Likes Sun
- Pollinator-Friendly
Eventual height & spread
History of Poppy 'Shirley Double'
The Shirley Poppy was developed in 1880 by Reverend William Wilks in Shirley, England. It’s a charming variant of the field poppy with distinctive petals edged in white, adding a delicate contrast to gardens.
| Other Names | Common poppy, Corn poppy, Corn rose + Field Poppy |
|---|---|
| Pet/Baby Safe | Known to be toxic |
FAQs
Sow Shirley Double poppy seeds in early spring or autumn, directly where they are to flower. Autumn sowings often flower a little earlier the following year.
They’re usually grown as annuals, but will often self-seed if you leave some seedheads to ripen, so they can reappear in the same spot year after year.
Yes – deadheading spent blooms will keep plants flowering for longer. Towards the end of summer, leave a few flowers to form seedheads if you’d like them to self-seed.
Yes. Shirley Double poppy seeds are easy to grow when sown directly outdoors into well-drained soil. They germinate quickly, need little maintenance, and are ideal for beginner gardeners.
Yes. Shirley Double poppies are excellent cut flowers, valued for their delicate, multi-layered petals and soft, romantic colours. Cut stems just as the buds are starting to open for the longest vase life. Regular cutting also encourages the plants to keep producing new blooms.