I would love to see Tuscany in its glory, with poppie flowers and all...but when should I go?

Can someone suggest the best time to plan a trip? I realize the weather affects the bloom but at least I can have a better shot at seeing it.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

I was there the first 10 days in May 2005, and they were just about done for the season, at least in central and southern Tuscany. There were still some, but many had already gone by.

We were in Tuscany in mid May 2004 and the poppies were in full bloom/peak time and they were beautiful. I have a photograph of a bouquet that I picked and placed in a blue water bottle framed and it is a reminder of how lovely the Tuscan countryside was. the blooms, however, are short lived.

Hi e,

We were there in mid-May also, and the poppies were gorgeous!

Buon viaggio!

Another vote for May - at least that's how I remember it but it could just be the Brunello talking ;-)

Last time was this past late May and they were in bloom

We were in Tuscany the first two weeks of May this last year. There were lots of poppies all over the roadsides in in some fields. Several locals said they would not be in full bloom until the last two weeks, so May it is and it was gorgeous springtime all over the area.
Enjoy-Paul