Poppy ' Shirley Amazing Grey'

Shirley Amazing Grey Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

A true showstopper among poppies, ‘Amazing Grey’ lives up to its name with ethereal beauty unlike any other. Its petals are a misty blend of pale lilac and soft grey, shifting with the light to create an otherworldly, silken effect against rich green foliage. Each bloom is fully double, ruffled like tissue paper, giving the flowers a whimsical yet sophisticated charm.

‘Amazing Grey’ is a generous self-sower, often returning year after year to surprise you with drifts of ghostly-lavender blooms. Though it reseeds readily, it is never invasive, instead weaving itself gracefully into the garden’s tapestry. Perfect for adding depth, softness, and an air of mystery to beds, borders, and arrangements, this poppy is truly unforgettable.

DETAILS:
 
QTY: 175

TYPE: Annual; Self-sowing
 
SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Surface

GERMINATION: 14-21 days at 16-18°C

HEIGHT: 2 - 3'

MATURITY: 80 - 90 Days

SPACING: 9 - 12"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in late fall or early spring when there is still a chance of frost or light snow. Poppies generally do not transplant well due to their delicate root systems. Gently rake the tiny seeds into the soil surface; do not bury them as they need light to germinate. Water gently after sowing.

Transplanting (alternative, use caution): If you choose to start seeds indoors, sow them into compostable pots (like peat or coir pots) 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. This minimizes root disturbance during transplanting. The seeds are very small, so bottom watering is recommended until seedlings emerge to avoid washing them away. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting the entire biodegradable pot into the garden after all danger of frost is past.

Soil Preference: Poppies thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They are not particularly fussy about soil fertility and can tolerate average to poor soils. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period and while seedlings are establishing. Once mature, poppies are relatively drought-tolerant. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering, which can damage delicate blooms.

Fertilizing: Poppies generally do not require much fertilizer. In fact, too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms. If your soil is very poor, you can amend it with a small amount of compost before planting. No additional fertilizing is typically needed once plants are established.

Self-Seeding: Although most common poppies (e.g., Shirley Poppies, California Poppies) are annuals, they readily self-seed in favorable conditions, often giving the appearance of perennial growth in subsequent years.