Mother of Pearl

SKU: FL1223

A breathtaking blend of crepe papery and subtly hued poppies, from dusty roses to muddy mauves, smoky strawberries to pearl whites, as... Read More

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New for 2024
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West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $9.99.

Mother of Pearl

Product Details

A breathtaking blend of crepe papery and subtly hued poppies, from dusty roses to muddy mauves, smoky strawberries to pearl whites, as well as bicolour picotees. Flowers grow on long stems up to 40-60cm (15-25") tall. This special blend was reportedly named by painter and gardener, Sir Cedric Morris.

Hardy Annual.

Quick Facts:

    • Blend of unique colours
    • 40-60cm (15-25") tall

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Mother of Pearl

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All About Mother of Pearl

Latin

Latin
Papaver nudicaule (perennial), P. rhoeas & P. somniferum (both annual)
Family: Papaveraceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone:Β P. nudicaule is hardy to Zone 3

Timing

Timing
Start perennial poppies outdoors in early spring, when some chance of frost is still a possibility. Start annual varieties outdoors at the same time in Zones 3-7. In Zones 8-10,Β the best bet is to direct sow in the fall.

Poppies are famously difficult to transplant, so starting them indoors is not recommended. If absolutely necessary, use peat or coir pots, and maintain a soil temperature of 12Β°C (55Β°F). Seeds will sprout in 20-30 days.

Starting

Starting
Sow on the surface of the soil, or barely cover seeds. Thin to a minimum of 15cm (6β€³) apart.

Growing

Growing
Poppies are easy to grow and the self-sow with abandon, without becoming weedy. Simply pull up unwanted plants (an easy task) before they bloom, or better yet, let them tell you where they want to grow. They will thrive for years at a time in surprising spots, like a crack in the driveway. Other times, they simply won’t take, no matter how much you try. Keep them moderately well watered in hot, dry weather, and do not fertilize.

For the largest heads on Papaver somniferum, sow seeds in the fall or early winter. Thin plants to allow them some space, and keep the area weeded as plants grow larger. Grow this variety in full sun in well-drained, but ordinary garden soil. If spring and summer are cool and damp, or plants are over-crowded, expect smaller seed heads.

How to Grow Poppies

Step 1

Timing

Start perennial poppies outdoors in early spring, when some chance of frost is still a possibility. Start annual varieties outdoors at the same time in Zones 3-7. In Zones 8-10,Β the best bet is to direct sow in the fall.

Poppies are famously difficult to transplant, so starting them indoors is not recommended. If absolutely necessary, use peat or coir pots, and maintain a soil temperature of 12Β°C (55Β°F). Seeds will sprout in 20-30 days.

Step 2

Starting

Sow on the surface of the soil, or barely cover seeds. Thin to a minimum of 15cm (6β€³) apart.

Step 3

Growing

Poppies are easy to grow and the self-sow with abandon, without becoming weedy. Simply pull up unwanted plants (an easy task) before they bloom, or better yet, let them tell you where they want to grow. They will thrive for years at a time in surprising spots, like a crack in the driveway. Other times, they simply won’t take, no matter how much you try. Keep them moderately well watered in hot, dry weather, and do not fertilize.

For the largest heads on Papaver somniferum: Sow seeds in the fall or early winter. Thin plants to allow them some space, and keep the area weeded as plants grow larger. Grow this variety in full sun in well-drained, but ordinary garden soil. If spring and summer are cool and damp, or plants are over-crowded, expect smaller seed heads.

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