Shirley poppy
Papaver rhoeas
The cultivated cousin of the wild red poppies that dot corn fields with colour in summer. An easy way to add delicate blooms to a border… especially useful to fill gaps between perennials as they settle in. Shirley poppies are undemanding and will pretty much look after themselves. They will self-seed if conditions are right.
Grow Shirley poppies appreciate full sun. Scatter them in ornamental borders or plant among vegetables and fruit. The flowers attract hoverflies and other pollinators. They will also grow well in containers. Deadhead regularly to keep the plants flowering. The seed is easy to save for the following year but, chances are, the plants will scatter seed that will grow into fresh plants.
Sow Seeds are best sown into the ground where they are to flower in spring, they grow well in recently disturbed soil. Sow as thinly as possible… not easy because the seeds are very, very small. Seedlings can be thinned once they are large enough.
Uses Although the flowers look delicate, they can be cut and used in bouquets… sear the stems immediately after cutting then put them in a deep bucket of cool water for a good long drink. The seedheads can also be cut and used in arrangements.