Are these curtains blackout?

No. The linen is light-filtering, so it dims daylight and adds privacy but does not block light fully. Use a liner or a blackout panel behind them if you need a dark room.

What length rod do I need for two 90-inch panels?

Pleated panels use roughly their flat width when hung, so measure the rod span and add extra for overlap and stack-back. A rod about 1.5 to 2 times the window width is a common starting point.

Do the pleats come sewn in?

Yes. The triple pinch pleats are stitched into the header, so the folds hold their shape. You still need hooks or rings to attach them to the rod.

How do I clean linen curtains?

Most linen curtains are machine washable on a gentle cold cycle, then hung to dry. Steam or iron on low while slightly damp to relax wrinkles.

Are they worth it over plain linen panels?

The pleated header is the main upgrade: it gives a tailored look that flat panels lack. If you do not care about pleats, plain linen panels usually cost less.