They need ripen and open as you may not get anything that will sprout otherwise. You could plant your Zinnias between the poppies and cut the poppy stalks off once you harvest the seed heads.

Cynthia, I don't think the seeds will ripen if you cut the pods green. When mine start to ripen, I cut the ripe ones every day until I have all I want, then pull them all up. I go out every day, and 'harvest' the pods that have the windows open and the pod has turned hard. With a small pair of pruning shears, I cut the stem 2 or 3 inches below the pod, then cut the .hat off the top of the pod and pour the seeds into a sandwich bag. I put a couple of those little desiccant packs that come in medicine bottles, in the bag to absorb any moisture.

After you have sown your zinnia seeds, you can go ahead and scatter the poppy seeds right over them for next year.

Jim

Thank you Jim and wally... I needed a vist from the reality rangers. Will follow your suggestions.

c

That's what is so great about gardening we learn from our or others experiences. I have lost a lot of plants but have started as many so some think I have a green thumb, but it is all in keeping on learning and enjoying seeing new plants and blooms.