Yes, deer will eat marigolds. The flowers are not toxic to them, and they are attracted to the bright colors. Marigolds can be planted as a border around gardens to keep deer out.
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Flowers that deer won't eat – Are they deer proof?
Yes, deer will eat marigolds. In fact, they will eat just about any flower or plant if they are hungry enough. However, there are some flowers and plants that deer seem to prefer over others.
Marigolds are not typically on their list of favorite foods, but they will certainly chow down on them if given the chance.
What Flowers Do Deer Not Eat
Deer are notorious for munching on just about any type of vegetation they can find, but there are actually a few flowers that they typically avoid. Some of the most common deer-resistant flowers include marigolds, zinnias, impatiens, and petunias.
One reason why deer may steer clear of these particular blooms is because they contain high levels of pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides that can be toxic to deer (and other animals).
Another possibility is that the strong scent of these flowers simply doesn’t appeal to deer.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that no plant is completely “deer proof.” If a deer is hungry enough, it will eat just about anything!
So if you’re looking to deter deer from your garden, it’s always best to take a multi-pronged approach including both physical barriers (like fencing) and plants that they tend to avoid.
What Plants Do Deer Hate the Most
If you’re a gardener, you know that deer can wreak havoc on your plants. They eat just about everything, including the flowers, vegetables, and even the bark off trees. But what plants do deer hate the most?
There are actually a few plants that deer tend to avoid. One is lavender. Deer don’t seem to like the strong scent of this herb, so they usually stay away from it.
Another plant that deters deer is marigold. The strong smell of these flowers is also unappealing to deer. Finally, many gardeners have had success with using mint as a natural deer repellent.
Deer don’t like the smell of mint, so planting some around your garden can help keep them out.
If you’re looking for a plant that will deter deer but also add beauty to your garden, try one of these three options!
Do Deer Eat Zinnias
It’s no secret that deer love to munch on gardens. If you’ve ever had your prize zinnias nibbled down to nubs, chances are good it was a deer that did the damage. While there are chemical repellents available to keep deer away from your plants, many gardeners prefer more natural methods.
The best way to keep deer from eating your zinnias is by planting varieties that they don’t find palatable.
There are several species of zinnia that deer tend to avoid. One is the common zinnia (Zinnia elegans), which has a bitter taste that deters most deer.
Another is the dwarf zinnia (Zinnia haageana), which has a strong smell that keeps deer at bay. If you’re looking for a beautiful and Deer-Resistant zinnia, try growing ‘Queen Red Lime’ or ‘Purple Prince’.
Of course, no plant is 100% deer proof, and even the most unpalatable varieties may succumb if the local deer population is high enough.
In these cases, fencing in your garden is the best bet for keeping those pesky critters out. A simple fence made of chicken wire can be enough to deter even the most determined deer.
Do Deer Eat Yellow Marigolds
If you’re wondering whether deer will eat your yellow marigolds, the answer is maybe. Deer are browsers, which means they like to nibble on a variety of plants. While marigolds aren’t a preferred food source for deer, if there’s nothing else around, they may nibble on the leaves or flowers.
If you’re concerned about deer damaging your marigold plants, there are a few things you can do to deter them. First, try spraying the plants with a commercial deer repellent. You can also try making your own repellent by mixing water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio and spraying it on the plants.
Finally, consider fencing in your garden to keep deer out completely.
Deer Resistant Fall Flowers
Looking for some deer resistant flowers to add to your garden this fall? Here are a few of our favorites:
Asters are one of the most popular fall flowers and they’re also fairly deer resistant.
They come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, white, and blue.
Chrysanthemums are another great option for deer resistant fall flowers. They bloom in a wide range of colors and their long-lasting blooms make them perfect for adding color to your garden well into autumn.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try ornamental grasses. These plants add texture and interest to your garden while still being relatively deer resistant. One of our favorites is blue fescue, which has beautiful blue-green leaves that look great all season long.
Credit: plantcaretoday.com
Do Deer Or Rabbits Eat Marigolds?
There are many different types of marigolds, and deer or rabbits may eat some varieties while avoiding others. The African marigold (Tagetes erecta), for example, is a common deer browse plant, while the signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia) is avoided. In general, though, most species in the Tagetes genus are unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to their high tannin content.
Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is another common garden plant that contains high levels of toxins that deter browsing by deer and rabbits.
What Flower Will Deer Not Eat?
There are a variety of flowers that deer will not eat including: impatiens, begonias, petunias, pansies, and snapdragons. These flowers are all part of the genus Calibrachoa which contains over 100 species of flowering plants. Deer tend to avoid eating these flowers because they contain toxic compounds that can make the deer sick.
Will Marigolds Keep Deer Away from Hostas?
No, marigolds will not keep deer away from hostas. In fact, deer love to eat marigolds and will often damage or destroy hostas in the process.
Do Deer Eat Marigolds And Geraniums?
Deer will eat just about anything if they are hungry enough, but marigolds and geraniums are not their first choice. Deer prefer to eat leaves, grass, and twigs. If a deer is desperate, it may nibble on the flowers or stems of marigolds and geraniums.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering if deer will eat your marigolds, the answer is maybe. Deer are known to eat a variety of plants, but their diet varies depending on the season and their location. In general, deer prefer to eat leaves, buds, and twigs of woody plants.
However, they will also eat herbaceous plants, like marigolds. So, if you live in an area where deer are common, it’s best to keep an eye on your marigold plants just in case.