Deer resistant annuals follow about the same pattern as other deer resistant plants. Some of the annual plants physical characteristics deter deer. Those annuals exhibiting fuzzy leaves, strong scents, bitter tastes, or spikey or thorny stems seem to be the most likely to survive a grazing deer. The fuzzy type leaf and scent of the geranium seem to give this annual a pass by most deer. Other strong scented annual flowers such as poppies, verbena and marigolds also seem to be resistant to deer.

Another method for deterring deer is to mix strong scented perennials together with annuals. As deer brush up against a pungent plant such as the Russian Sage, they may be persuaded to look elsewhere for lunch and leave your annuals alone. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage are strongly scented and are not preferred by deer. Planting these herbs in and around your annuals may induce the neighbor deer to move on to an adjoining area. When deer are hungry they will eat almost any plant. Deer will especially nibble on most plants in the spring when plants are tender, more lush and high in nutrition. If deer find a highly valued annual that they really like, a fence may be the only good defense. The annuals below are the least likely to be eaten by deer.