Shirley Poppy ‘Pandora’
Papaver rhoeas
Description
We consider this the sultry sister to ‘Amazing Grey’. Both varieties have a haunting purple-gray hue, but ‘Pandora’ is more of a metallic merlot color. This vigorous and free-flowering mix features lots of double and ruffled blooms that flutter in the breeze. After blooms drop they leave behind adorable chocolate-capped seedpods. Perfect for personal use and event work.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 55 to 65 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 55 to 65 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Shirley poppies resent transplanting. Direct-sow into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Seed can be started indoors, just take care when transplanting out not to disturb the roots too much.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting 3 to 4 days if stem ends are seared for 7 to 10 seconds in boiling water. Seedpods can be dried and used indefinitely.
Details
Description
We consider this the sultry sister to ‘Amazing Grey’. Both varieties have a haunting purple-gray hue, but ‘Pandora’ is more of a metallic merlot color. This vigorous and free-flowering mix features lots of double and ruffled blooms that flutter in the breeze. After blooms drop they leave behind adorable chocolate-capped seedpods. Perfect for personal use and event work.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 55 to 65 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 55 to 65 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Shirley poppies resent transplanting. Direct-sow into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Seed can be started indoors, just take care when transplanting out not to disturb the roots too much.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting 3 to 4 days if stem ends are seared for 7 to 10 seconds in boiling water. Seedpods can be dried and used indefinitely.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
