Shirley Poppy Seeds – 'Mother of Pearl' – Papaver rhoeas
Soft as a Summer Dream
Shirley Poppy 'Mother of Pearl' (Papaver rhoeas) is one of the most quietly breathtaking varieties you can grow. Its silky, single blooms come in a hushed, romantic palette of dusty pink, soft mauve, blush, peach, warm smoky red, and white — all with that distinctive dark centre that gives each flower such depth and elegance. Where other poppies shout, 'Mother of Pearl' whispers — and it's all the more beautiful for it. A must for the cottage garden, the cutting patch, and anyone who loves flowers with genuine soul.
Why Gardeners Love It
- 🌸 Exquisite muted colour palette — dusty pinks, mauves, blush, peach, smoky red and white; like a watercolour brought to life
- ✂️ Gorgeous cut flower — pick in bud for longest vase life; stunning in soft, romantic arrangements
- 🐝 Beloved by pollinators — bees and hoverflies flock to the open, nectar-rich blooms
- 🌱 Easy to grow — direct sow or start in trays; rewarding for all levels
- 🌿 Self-seeds freely — naturalises beautifully in borders for repeat displays year after year
Growing Tips for New Zealand
Direct sow onto the surface of well-prepared soil in a sunny position — do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate. For the best results with these precious seeds, starting in trays is our preferred method — sow onto the surface of moist seed-raising mix, keep in a cool bright spot, then prick out carefully once seedlings are large enough to handle. Sow in autumn or early spring for best results in NZ. Thin or transplant to 15–20 cm apart. Plants grow to 60–90 cm tall and bloom from late spring through summer. Leave a few spent heads to self-seed and naturalise in the border.
What's in the Packet
Each packet contains 30 seeds of Shirley Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) 'Mother of Pearl'.
📄 Want the full growing guide? The Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) Propagation Guide — a detailed digital PDF covering sowing times, germination, spacing, and much more, is available as an instant download. 🌱😊
Also available: the Professional Manual — a comprehensive digital PDF covering core propagation principles, greenhouse management, and printable worksheets.