I believe the deer will leave them alone. Poppies need light to germinate so maybe just barely scratch the surface and sprinkle the seeds on the surface. The seeds are so tiny, it is best to mix with sand and then sprinkle the seeds. I have found that I had the best luck sowing in January or February. They like cold weather for germination. I don't know if I would wait until six weeks before last frost. I think it would be too late.
