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 York
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 York · average last frost around 26 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 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
12 Apr to 3 May Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow thinly around 12th April - 3rd May 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
7 May to 11 Jun 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
24 May to 26 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, from 24th May, watch tall forms for flopping in exposed spots and use discreet twiggy supports if needed. Water only in dry spells.
04
Cut Flowers
21 Jun to 6 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, cut blooms from 21st June once the first flowers open. Keep picking through 6th September. 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.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
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Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest September to February. Typical frost risk October to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Typical frost risk October to April.
Poppy guides by town
See how Poppy timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.