One question that plagues gardeners in areas with heavy deer pressure is: Will deer eat dahlias?
We opened a second flower farm in 2022 as part of our business, but the fence wasn’t put up until the end of the year. That meant that everything we planted, including the nearly 1,000 dahlias we grew that year, was open to the growing number of deer in the area.
Let me be clear. When I say “thriving” deer population, I’m not kidding. Our new home is in the country and is surrounded by farmland. Until the fence was put up, dozens of deer slept, ate, poops, and gathered (partying?) in our fields every day. Here is a picture of our dahlia patch in July, when the young greens were fully open to the deer.
A lot of different plants were eaten by the deer in the field, but phlox and delphinium were their favorites. The lamb’s quarters that grew like weeds after our first composting job were their favorite snack. They only nibbled on the growing tip of ONE dahlia, but they didn’t touch the rest of the dahlia field at all. It was so interesting to see that the lamb’s quarters that were growing around the dahlias would be eaten, but the dahlias would stay whole!
With their vibrant colors and gorgeous blooms, dahlias are a stunning addition to any garden However, these showy flowers often attract unwanted attention from deer, rabbits, and other wildlife While dahlias aren’t a favorite food of deer or rabbits, they will nibble on the plants if hungry enough. Here’s what you need to know about dahlia resistance to deer and rabbits, and how to keep them from becoming a snack.
Are Dahlias Deer Resistant?
Deer tend to avoid plants with strong fragrances, spiky foliage, bitter taste, or toxicity. Dahlias have a somewhat pungent odor that deters deer. Their tender leaves and buds also aren’t a preferred food source.
However, deer aren’t picky eaters If food is scarce, they will sample dahlias. According to Rutgers University, dahlias are rated “occasionally severely damaged” on their deer resistance scale
So while deer may pass over dahlias at first, don’t count on them ignoring the plants forever. Hungry deer can still inflict damage, especially on young, vulnerable plants. Protecting dahlias during their first year is crucial.
Are Dahlias Rabbit Resistant?
Like deer, rabbits generally prefer not to eat dahlias. Their odor and taste make them a last resort when other food sources are limited.
Young dahlia seedlings may be nibbled on by hungry bunnies. But mature plants are typically avoided, since rabbits can only reach the lower leaves and stems. The tubers underground are also unappealing to them.
Rabbits are most likely to feed on dahlias in early spring when pickings are slim Once warmer weather brings tender new growth, they focus on tastier options.
Protecting Dahlias from Deer and Rabbits
While dahlias aren’t a top menu item for deer and rabbits, don’t assume they’ll never touch your plants. Use these tactics to keep your dahlias safe:
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Apply commercial repellents around the perimeter of your garden. Reapply frequently.
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Add debris like human hair, feathers, or blood meal to the soil. The unfamiliar scents deter wildlife.
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Try homemade sprays made with eggs, hot peppers, or soap. Spray plants thoroughly and reapply after rain.
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Install fencing around beds. For rabbits, 2-foot-tall chicken wire is sufficient. Deer need a fence 8 feet tall or more.
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Scare predators away with motion-activated sprinklers, clanging pie pans, or light reflectors.
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Choose dahlia varieties with higher toxicity like dinnerplate dahlias. The “poisonous” tubers discourage nibbling.
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Plant dahlias in an area with heavy human traffic. Deer and rabbits avoid people.
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Let your dog patrol the garden. Chasing wildlife will deter further visits.
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Wait until after the last spring frost to plant dahlias. This avoids the early season when wildlife is hungriest.
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Intersperse dahlias with strongly scented herbs like sages or alliums. These help mask the dahlia’s appeal.
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Remove young sprouts that rabbits can reach. Eliminate any low-hanging leaves, buds, or stems.
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Check plants daily for damage. Remove and discard any gnawed parts to prevent spreading disease.
Regrowing Dahlias After Wildlife Damage
If deer or rabbits devour your dahlias completely, don’t lose hope. As long as the tubers are intact underground, you can get new growth going:
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Cut back any remaining stems to about 6 inches above the soil.
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Water the tubers thoroughly to stimulate regrowth.
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Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 formula to encourage strong new shoots.
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Cover with a cloche, fabric row cover, or wire cage for protection.
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If sprouts are slow to return, wait until late spring and replant the tuber in case it was dormant.
With persistence and preventive measures, you can enjoy gorgeous dahlias despite tempting nearby wildlife. Don’t let hungry deer and rabbits stop you from growing these stunning blooms in your own garden!
why do deer avoid dahlias?
It didn’t come as a surprise that the deer were completely disinterested in the dahlias. Dahlia vegetation has a peppery scent and taste, which the deer do not like. I can only think that they would eat it if they were really hungry and had nothing else to grab. No matter what, I worried about them being eaten by deer for half the season because you never know, and I seem to enjoy frustrating myself for no reason.
what kind of fencing to use for deer
I’d still recommend a fence around the dahlias, if you can swing it, just as a precaution. Dahlias are a crop that takes a lot of time and money to grow, and I don’t want the local wildlife to eat them.
According to some people on the internet, deer can jump up to 12 feet in the air. I have an 8 foot fence and it has worked just fine keeping them out. This 8 ft plastic fencing is exactly what I used for years for keeping deer out of my former 1/2 acre flower farm. In combination with 9-ft Steel Posts and Outdoor UV-Resistant Zip Ties, you can set up a fence around your garden pretty quickly. You’ll just need a Post Driver to pound the posts in.
If you can’t put up a fence though, don’t fret. Your dahlias should be safe from the deer on their own. You could spray a perimeter with coyote urine if you do see nibbles, or you could put down permanent urine boxes like I did here.
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FAQ
Are dahlias rabbit resistant?
How do I keep deer from eating my dahlias?
Are dahlias deer tolerant?
Do deer or rabbits eat dahlias?
Are dahlias deer resistant?
Additionally, consider interspersing deer-resistant plants with your dahlias to create a visually appealing and functional garden design. By adopting a strategic planting approach, you not only enhance the aesthetics of your garden but also minimize the attractiveness of your dahlias to deer.
Do Rabbits eat dahlias?
Rabbits can eat dahlias, but they generally don’t. As with deer, dahlias are not their favorite food, but if there are not a lot of other options both rabbits and deer will nibble on dahlias.
Are dahlias deer-proof?
Lots of people think that dahlias are somewhat deer-proof but this is not really the case. There’s nothing stopping deer from eating them apart from the fact that they don’t much care to have them in their diet. So what factors affect whether the deer in your area will eat your dahlias or not?
Are dahlias deer-resistant?
Homeowners and gardeners love dahlias for their vibrant and diverse blooms. However, one common concern among dahlia enthusiasts is whether these beautiful flowers are deer-resistant. Unfortunately, dahlias are not naturally deer-resistant, and deer have a taste for many garden plants, including dahlias.