Store seed at 40F for 4 weeks to improve germination THEN: Lightly cover seed to prevent light exposure.. soil temp (not air temp) for germination 65-75F ..10-14 days to germination.

Which types of poppies are we talking about here? One of the Papavers? And if so perennial or annual? Escholtzia?

I have oriental poppies and a few annuals too.(papaver)

For annual poppies, rough up the soil and scatter seeds around on the soil outdoors in March. With adequate moisture, they will germinate easily outdoors.

With the annual types (breadseed, somniferum) I direct sow as above, but sometimes scattering the seeds early winter, late winter, and Spring for a longer succession of bloom (mild Z8)

Oriental poppy - Papaver orientale, Sow approx 68F, germinates in about two weeks, do not cover the small seed.

For annual poppies, rough up the soil and scatter seeds around on the soil outdoors in March. With adequate moisture, they will germinate easily outdoors.