When Will Oriental Poppy Seeds Be Ripe & Ready to Plant?

[GardenGeisha]

My Oriental Poppies are done blooming and have formed the big seed pods. When should the seeds be at their best for planting? I'd like to sow them all over, but I know timing is critical. It seems to me they don't just break open on their own-- the pods are quite tough and usually have to be helped along... I've seen intact pods the following spring after a long, hard winter? All advice will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Nyboy]

That photo reminds me of Audrey from little shop of horror

 

[GardenGeisha]

LOL, Nyboy!

 

[GardenGeisha]

I hope to have a whole yardful!

 

[Smart Red]

I hope to have a whole yardful!

I love those. There was a nearby farmer with a whole back yard of orange poppies every year. They were torn out for a mound-type septic system. So sad! I really miss seeing that cheery view every spring.

 

[GardenGeisha]

I had to take mine out of the front garden, and they don't transplant well, so that's why I'm trying to figure out when is the best time to sow their seeds. I have had 2 volunteers spring up in my yard garden, thrilling me. One has just 2 podfuls of seeds, but the other, newer plant (bloomed for the 1st time this year) has 10 pods.

 

[spookybird]

The red poppies are pretty.
I didn't know they came in different colors till A friend in Tn. sent me light lavender and coral mop head. Boy are they pretty. I've got lots of the coral mop head seeds if anyone wants some. Didn't save the lavender ones.