The Shirley poppy is an annual poppy that is probably one of the easiest flowers to grow. Shirley poppies come in brilliant colors such as yellow, pink, orange, and sometimes red, and give off a delightful aroma. The flowers are generally 2 to 3 inches in diameter and come in single, semi-double, and double forms. Their attractive petals have the appearance of wrinkled silk.
Poppy seeds are unbelievably small. Just to give you an idea, it would take more than 200,000 (that's nearly a quarter of a million) poppy seeds to make one ounce in weight. Sow the seeds thinly if you plan on broadcasting them. Mixing the seeds with a little sand will make this process much easier on you. Sprinkle the seeds outdoors if you live in colder climates. There is no need to cover them. Once the ground thaws in the spring, they will begin to germinate. In warmer climates, the seeds can be sown in the springtime. The seeds will begin to germinate once fall rolls around, and by the late winter, you will begin to see blossoms.
Space your Shirley poppies between 8 and 12 inches apart from one another if they are to be used in beds or borders. Remember that well drained soil (but not too fertile) and full sunlight will help them thrive. Shirley poppies make perfect cut flowers. Just before they open, cut the flowers and use an open flame to sear the bottoms of the stems.