Zinnias have big blooms and long bloom time, so they are very popular with gardeners. But wherever there are large populations of deer, the question remains: Do deer eat zinnias? Like most things in nature the answer is neither yes nor no. In this article, you will get to learn if deer eat zinnias.
Why Deer Might Munch on Zinnias
Deer eat leaves, twigs, fruits and some flowers as well as some flowers. They choose what they eat for reasons including:
Palatability: Deer naturally seek out easy to digest plants with high nutritional value.
Availability: Deer may browse on less desirable plants if preferred food sources are scarce.
Scouting: Curious deer might try to nibble on several different plants to determine their taste and texture.
Zinnias generally aren’t a favorite of deer, but they can be targets in some situations:
Limited Food Sources: In tough winters or dry spells when deer cannot find food sources they prefer, they may eat plants that are less tasty such as zinnias.
Young and Tender Zinnias: Newly planted zinnias with soft leaves may tempt deer more than mature coarse foliage.
Exploration: As previously noted above, deer may bite off zinnias out of curiosity.
Zinnia’s Defense Mechanisms: A Textural Disadvantage
A few characteristics make zinnias less desirable for deer browsing:
Coarse Texture: Zinnia leaves are rough and somewhat bristly which deer may not like to eat.
Bitter Taste: Some zinnias are slightly bitter to discourage deer.
Aromatic Foliage: The leaves on zinnias give off an unpleasant odor to some deer.
This makes zinnias a deer-resistant plant in gardens. But these are deterrents not foolproof defenses.
Keeping Your Zinnias Safe: Prevention is Key
In an area with high deer populations, you need to take some decisive measures to protect your zinnias. Here are some strategies that may help:
Companion Planting: Plant scented plants that deer avoid around your zinnias, such as lavender, garlic and chives.
Physical Barriers: Fencing, netting or chicken wire can be used to physically surround your zinnias.
Deer Repellents: Follow the directions on commercial deer repellents. Try repellents containing rotten eggs, predator urine or capsaicin.
Planting Strategy: Plant some flowers – some deer favorites – as sacrificial plants outside your zinnia patch. This might keep deer from targeting your prized blooms.
Timing Your Planting: Plant zinnias later in the season when deer have more options for natural food.
The Beauty of Zinnias: Worth the Fight
Although deer might nibble on your zinnias under extreme circumstances, these showy flowers usually have low appeal to them. Most gardeners find them coarse, bitter and aromatic for deer.
Conclusion
Preventative measures such as companion planting or repellents can lower deer damage risk and make your zinnias pop! Remember, a varied and healthy garden with deterrents is your best defense against hungry deer. So plant your zinnias with confidence and enjoy the long lasting blooms these flowers provide.
