Poppy 'Shirley Double Mix'
A mixed strain of soft single and double flowers in pastel shades, good for informal borders and cutting.
When to plant Poppies in Brighton
Papaver spp.
Hardy annual poppies are best sown direct where they are to flower. They dislike root disturbance. Sow in a prepared, weed-free patch.
60 cm · Full Sun · Low Water
Calibrated to Brighton · last frost ≈ 10 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Sow straight into the ground. Poppies dislike transplanting.
01
Sow Seeds
27 Mar to 17 Apr Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow thinly around 27th March - 17th April on the soil surface. Press the seed in and leave it uncovered. It needs light to germinate. Keep the area evenly moist until seedlings appear. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days if you want a longer run of flowers.
02
Thin Seedlings
21 Apr to 26 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, when seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to . Avoid pulling nearby plants.
03
Support Plants
8 May to 10 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, from 8th May, watch tall forms for flopping in exposed spots and use discreet twiggy supports if needed. Water only in dry spells.
04
Cut Flowers
5 Jun to 21 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, cut blooms from 5th June once the first flowers open. Keep picking through 21st August. Gather stems in the cool of the day.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Poppy to consider
Poppy 'Angel's Choir'
Produces a mix of large blooms in muted pinks, whites and mauves, with a long flowering period when deadheaded.
Poppy 'Bread Seed'
An ornamental and edible type grown for its seed heads as well as flowers, useful in a sunny, free-draining spot.
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Explore similar plants you might like
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Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Frost risk November to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to September. Frost risk November to April.
Poppy guides by town
See how Poppy timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.