Planting: Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold climates, seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil thaws. Blossoms and pods are largest when plants grow in cool weather; seedlings are very cold hard. In a well-worked, finely textured seedbed in full sun, sprinkle seeds as thinly as possible or sow in rows 8 - 10" apart. Mixing dry sand with the seeds will help space them. Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/4" deep and keep seedbed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 - 14 days. If seedlings come up too thick, thin poppies early, but delay final thinning to 6 - 8" apart until weather has settled in spring.

Growing: Flowers will bloom in spring and early summer, then drop their petals and form fat seed capsule pods. When pods get brown and hard, cut and store them in open paper bags. When completely dry, crack pods open to remove seeds. Store harvested poppy seed in the freezer to keep it fresh and pest free.