Renee's Garden Shirley Poppy, Falling in Love

Soil & Water:Weed and water young seedlings carefully. Mature plants can handle dry conditions but appreciate regular water in hot summer locations. Poppies make good cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open.

Planting & Growing:Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into a finely textured seedbed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. In mild winter climates, poppies can also be sown in fall. To help space the fine seeds, mix with dry sand before sowing. Scatter seeds thinly and cover lightly with fine soil. Keep seedbed moist as seedlings emerge over 10-21 days. Thin early if seedlings are crowded; final spacing should be 6-8" apart.