Shirley Poppy

The Shirley poppy is one of the easiest of the Papaveraceae family to grow and are one of the poppies that are scented and also often referred to as the Corn poppy. They are brilliant shades of yellow, pink, orange and can even bloom in a red color. This poppy is a member of the Papaver rhoeas species and prefers full sunlight.

The blooms of the Shirley poppy grow between two and three inches across and bloom in a single or double bloom with petals that have the appearance of crinkled silk. The foliage has a fern like appearance in a gray green color with thin stems.

This is one of the poppy species that can grow in colder temperatures and should be planted in the fall. When they are planted in the fall they will begin to germinate as the ground thaws, the germination period for these flowers is from ten to thirty days. Planted in the fall in warmer climates they will germinate and flower during the late months of winter. They should be planted in rows twelve inches apart to give them the full advantage during the blooming season, which is from March though July. They will grow between 24 and 3o inches in height when mature.

This is one of the Papaver family that has attractive pods that can be dried and used for floral arrangements and other home accents. The blooms also are used in floral arrangements that have a certain beauty due to their silky appearance and perfumed odor.

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