Difficult to answer, need more info, you haven't said how you grow them and what conditions they're planted in.

in seed divided seed trays until i can put them in a cold frame outside which is often late i guess they are not pricked out being in individual pockets

They resent disturbance, so its good you're not pricking out, but, they are a tap rooted plant, so plant each seed in a 3 inch pot next time - and don't disturb the root when you plant outside. Don't leave it too long in the pot either - it needs to get its taproot as large/long as possible. You might be interested in reading the following:

http://www.saga.co.uk/lifestyle/gardening/plant-portrait/umbellifers.aspx?Posted=1

thanks for that seems like perfectly good advice

would the same go for annual poppy's?

Poppies also have a tap root - best to prepare a seed bed outside and sow in February - they need light to germinate though, so don't bury them. Seeds are usually too small to just put one in a 3 inch pot.