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 | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | Yes | 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 once in weed-free soil for flowers next spring. Protect young seedlings if hard frost is forecast.
01
Sow Seeds
23 Sept to 21 OctSow thinly during 23rd September - 21st October on weed-free soil where the plants are to flower. Press the seed onto the surface and leave it uncovered. It needs light to germinate. Keep the seedbed lightly moist until seedlings appear. This is one sowing, not a run of batches.
02
Thin Seedlings
18 Oct to 29 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageThin during 18th October - 29th November, leaving the strongest plants about apart. Snip or pinch out surplus seedlings rather than pulling.
03
Protect Young Plants
7 Oct to 30 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 7th October to 30th December, keep the seedbed weed-free. Cover with fleece if hard frost is forecast. Take it off in mild weather.
04
Cut Flowers
11 May to 3 Aug 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFlowers open next spring. Cut from 11th May 2027 to 3rd August 2027 as the buds begin to open. Pick in the cool of the day. Leave some seed heads if you want plants to self-sow.
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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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.