Poppy 'Shirley's Choice Double Mix' organic
Organic 'Shirley's Choice Double Mix' poppy (Papaver somniferum) from the seed company Gaia, a delicate English poppy with airy petals and romantic colors
The 'Shirley's Choice Double Mix' poppy displays elegant blooms at the top of its stems, in all shades of bright red , pink , salmon , and white , with single or double flowers featuring delicately ruffled petals. Despite the flowers' apparent fragility, the plants are robust and adapt well to the garden. Originating from the work of Reverend Henry Wilkes in Shirley (Surry, England), this heritage mix has become a cottage garden classic. It also makes a good cut flower if the stem tip is quickly burned to seal the sap channels. It self-seeds readily, providing a renewed presence year after year.
A graceful, light and romantic blend, perfect for adding movement and poetry to flowerbeds.
Companion plants : Marigolds, Phlox, Cosmos, Ornamental grasses, Bearded irises, Sage, Alliums
Negative plants : Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower, Kale
Spread/Carry : Elegant and slender tuft
Plant height : 70 to 75 cm
Quantity per packet : 100 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Single and double flowers, red/pink/salmon/white palette, good cut flower, heritage English variety, self-seeds, very attractive to bees
Leaf color : Bluish-green
Texture/flavor : Delicate, crumpled petals, decorative capsules
Cold tolerance : Down to -10°C
Farming method
Perform a two-week cold stratification before sowing. Sow directly outdoors in early spring , even if there is a risk of frost, as transplanting is not recommended. Sow seeds 3 mm deep and space plants 15 to 20 cm apart, with 30 to 35 cm between rows. Germination takes 14 to 21 days at 12–15 °C , with an optimum temperature of 12 °C. Provide full sun (level 3) and minimal watering (level 1).
Harvesting and preservation
For bouquets, pick the flowers just as they begin to open and singe the stem tips for a few seconds to prolong their life. The seed pods can be dried for decoration. Allow a few flowers to go to seed to ensure natural reseeding .
Usage ideas
• In romantic flowerbeds , typical of English gardens
• In flowery meadows or natural borders
• In very fresh bouquets or dried arrangements
• To attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the vegetable garden
• Contrasted with grasses for a hazy effect
The 'Shirley's Choice Double Mix' poppy combines English grace, delicate blooms, and surprising vigor. A poetic heritage blend, ideal for creating a vibrant and colorful garden season after season.
