Oriental poppy seed collecting

Flowers died off a long time ago and we left the seed heads on the plant, can I cut them now and continue to dry them or do they have to stay on the plant until dry?

Many thanks.

Steve...

 

Steve I always like to collect my poppy seed when the heads are crisp, dry and still on the main plant.... this works best for me.Hel.xxx.

 

I agree with Hel. Same goes for aquilegias, I've left some seedheads on to ripen.

 

steve a lot of oriental poppy seeds are sterile just athought