Shirley Poppy Falling in Love Seeds

SOWING:

Transplant: Direct sow in Spring when soil can be worked and temperatures are still cool (before last frost if possible). In warmer climates, direct sow in the  Fall as temperature begins to cool.

Many references say that poppies hate root disturbance and don’t like to be transplanted but I haven’t experienced that. I start them indoors 8-10 weeks before my last frost. I use a soil block system which may help minimize root disturbance.

Germination Requirements: Cover lightly with soil as light is needed for germination.

Days to Germination: Germinates in 10-15 days at 55-70°F

GROWING:

Light Preference: Full sun

Plant Height: 24-36 inches

Plant Spacing:  6" for smaller flowers and pods, 9"-12" for larger flowers and pods

Pinching: No

Flower Support:  Netting or support may be helpful but makes it harder to harvest.

Days to Bloom: 80- 85 days

HARVEST AND VASE LIFE:

Yield: 2-3 branching stems per plant

Harvest Fresh: Harvest at cracked bud stage, with 2 or 3 buds per stem. Flowers will continue to open in the vase

Expected Vase Life: Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting 3 to 4 days. By harvesting stem with 2 or 3 flowers at the cracked bud stage, vase life will be around 7 days. 

Harvest Dry: Seedpods can be harvested green and hung to dry. 

USES: 

Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Garden Beds, and Beneficial Insect Plantings