Renee's Garden Shirley Poppy, Angel's Choir

Soil & Water:Sow seeds directly into a finely textured seedbed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. 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. Prolong bloom by picking off spent flowers to keep them from setting seed.

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. 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 7 - 14 days. Thin early if seedlings are crowded; final spacing should be 6 - 8" apart.