No they don't need stratification and no they are highly unlikely to bloom the first year.

Thanks so much for your reply. I have been searching the web all day with opposing information. Will they germinate better indoors or broadcast over the snow like annual poppies?

If you sow them early enough....early feb, they should flower in the first year, mine did.

Sow them indoors.

Definitely sow them indoors, especially if you have snow.

I will start them today and hope for the best. At the rate we are going here, i won't see grass til May! Four feet of snow on ground with plenty more to come. Happy growing to all ;-)

Gardengal where are you going to sow them and how are you going to grow them on? If you are unlikely to be able to plant them out for several months I'd recommend holding of on sowing unless you have somewhere like a greenhouse to grow them on in.

Hi Moon growe, I do have a small greenhouse I can keep them in until the ground is workable. I have read that they don't like their roots disturbed, so I will be sure to handle with extreme care. Thank you so much for your all your advice. It is much appreciated. I have no experience with poppies