Favorite Reseeding Annuals: Low-Maintenance Color That Returns Year After Year

These annuals and tender perennials self-sow reliably, providing effortless color:

• California desert bluebells (Phacelia campanularia): Dark blue bells, gray-green toothed leaves. 6–18 in. Zones 1–3, 7–24.
• California poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Satin single petals, pale yellow to deep orange. 8–24 in. Zones 1–24; H1.
• Corn cockle (Agrostemma githago): Mauve-purple with darker veins. 2–3 ft. Good cut. Zones 1–24.
• Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata): 1-in. bright yellow, gray-green foliage. 1–1½ ft. Native to Western deserts. Zones 1–3, 7–23.
• Godetia (Clarkia amoena): Single/double lilac to reddish pink, crimson streaks. 18–30 in. Good cut. Zones 1–24.
• Honeywort (Cerinthe major): Violet-blue tubular sprays, fleshy stems/leaves. 2 ft. Attracts bees. Zones 1–24.
• Larkspur (Consolida ajacis): Dense spikes of white, blue, lilac, pink. 1–4 ft. Zones 1–24.
• Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena): Blue, rose, white spurred flowers; decorative seedpods. 1–1½ ft. All zones.
• Shirley poppy (Papaver rhoeas): Single/double cup-shaped red, pink, orange, white, bicolors. 3 ft. Zones A1–A3; 1–24 (best in cool summers).
• Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima): Tiny white clusters on 1-ft. mounds. Near year-round in mild climates. Attracts bees. All zones.