[mrs bouquet]

For a few years a neighbours has given me seed- heads, which I have dried out and then scattered, but they have never grown.     Others self-seed.   Maybe the problem is that when I do weeding I disturb them.   So please how can I ensure that I can grow them next year.  I have some very green seed- heads in a paper bag.
Thanks,  Mrs Bouquet

[Kleftiwallah]

The phrase "very green seed - heads in a paper bag"  could be your failing.  The seeds need to dry naturally on the stem.  When completely dry, then they can be collected and saved.

Cheers,   Tony.

[TonyB.]

I have the reverse problem. When I took over my plot in mid 2018 my wife said oh look poppies - they're lovely, don't dig them up.

She took some heads home and I surreptitiously composted the rest. Last year was not too bad but this year I have been digging up seedling all over the place at the allotment. At home my wife is well happy because there are masses of them!
 

[Growster...]

Somehow, via a bird, or some newly-turned soil, we grew three gorgeous poppies from absolutely nowhere!

They were just fantastic, and I saved some seed, which we then just chucked into three pots of compost, left them in the GH and also outside, and forgot about them...

Yesterday, during all that rain, we potted on well over 200 new plants!

Beginner's luck as they say, and I suppose, it's like Flanders Fields, they never really die off!

[snowdrops]

Mrs B, try sowing them fresh, or it could be they are sterile & with it being oriental poppies you need a root cutting. I’ve never managed to get the seed from my “Patty’s plum’ Poppy to grow yet!

[mrs bouquet]

I cannot get a roof cutting, but I wondered if I spinkle the seeds into a try next spring, perhaps they will grow and then I could transplant where I want them to be.    What do you think, at least I wouldn't weed them accidentally out.   Mrs B

[MrsPea]

Do you mean the big bousey ones or the field poppies that grow every where

[mrs bouquet]

I mean the big ones, are they the ones that opium comes from. the flowers are about the size of saucers, with a lovely black centre.  They grow to about 3 ft high.    Mrs B

[snowdrops]

No opium poppies are not oriental ones. Oriental are a herbaceous perennial, well at least the same plant comes back every year. Try some fresh seed in 1 tray & some dried in another, as it can make a difference.

[mrs bouquet]

I stand corrected. thanks for the advice.   Mrs B