hi i think personally i would leave them till they have flowered.collect the seeds and set but they will self seed and set anyway good luck.

If its move or lose you have nothing to lose by trying, but they are very touchy about being moved. You will need a good root ball (try to take a lot of earth on a spade rather than just digging near the plant, so as not to damage the root hairs)and a quick move into a prepared hole. Fill the hole with water before you backfill. Keep your eye on them as they wilt very quickly. And don't hold your breath! Good luck.

I did it last year at this time - and it survived! Mine was an oriental poppy. I did have to water it quite frequently, as Steragram says.

thanks to everyone who answered my question iam very gratefull and will give it a go i have about 16 poppies to move or collect seeds from so will give all suggestions a go thankyou again i will let you know how i get on

It also depends which 'poppy' you are referring to, is this papavera, mecanopsis or one of the many other plants called a 'poppy'?