I'm looking for poppy types (annual or perennial) that are good self seeders. I would like to direct sow seeds early spring into a mixed perennial bed made up mostly of (lavender, yarrow, garlic chives) along with whatever mostly deer resistent annuals I decide to add later in the season to the mix. The bed is in a sunny spot for most of the afternoon. I'm in zone 5a. Any info would be greatly appreciated. *I understand that poppies are generally supposed to be deer resistant, but either deer or groundhogs ate my California poppies last year.* Thanks

P. somniferum and P. rhoeas both reseed well in my garden, both annuals. It is important to sow them early while the temps are still cold/cool. Some like to sow them atop of snow in order to see the seeds and how thickly they're sown. I direct sow in February or March.

This is a good thread for me to watch. I love poppies. But I've always thought ALL of them were invasive so I have always refused to plant any. So to find some that are well behaved would add a nice element to my flower gardens!

Jennifer, most years I see about the number I'd like to leave of both annuals I mentioned, but sometimes there will be a lot of them. They're really easy to cultivate out when there are too many though. I like to deadhead some to help keep it under control, and I like to select for certain colors I'd like more of.

My P. somniferum are like Neal's, self seeders but easy to eradicate if too much. The population has decreased somewhat over the years, I was going to throw more seed from my refrigerator this year but keep forgetting to do it.