The ones I have purchased comercially for dried display are still "closed"
ie, the little pepperpot openings have not opened yet. But when dry they are
still full of viable seed. So i'd say pick the biggest and dry them out
slowly and you should have plenty of seed for autumn or next spring sowing.

Les

"Temprance" wrote in message
...
Hi folks. I managed to grow a lot of the giant Blackish Peony Poppy
from Sarah Raven's company. Also some lovely red frilly edged ones as
well. I had the seeds in a packet for over 2 years so was surprised
when they did grow. (Building works stopped me planting.) I had a
wonderful but heavily packed area of poppies. Unfortunately people
have been swiping lots of the heads so I want to dry some to replant
next year but don't know if I can just cut the heads and hang them to
dry or have to wait until the heads are dry. The rate they are
disappearing I will few left. Tia.

Temperance