One question that plagues gardeners in areas with heavy deer pressure is whether deer will eat their dahlias.
We expanded our business into a second flower farm in 2022, and we weren’t able to get the fence installed until the end of the year. That meant anything we planted was free range for the thriving rural deer population, including our patch of nearly 1,000 dahlias we grew that year.
Let me be clear. When I say “thriving” deer population, I’m not kidding. Our new property is rural, surrounded by farm land, and dozens of deer were sleeping, eating, pooping and gathering in our fields every day until the fence went up. Below is a photo of our dahlia patch in July with tender greens fully exposed to the deer population.
The deer grazed on a few things in the field, their favorites being some perennials — phlox and delphinium. Their favorite snack was actually the lamb’s quarters that grew like a weed out of our first compost application. I noticed only one nibble out of a single dahlia growing tip, but other than that, they didn’t so much as touch the entire dahlia field. In fact, I noticed that lamb’s quarters growing around the dahlias would be eaten, and the dahlias would be left completely in tact!
Dahlias are one of the most popular flowers for gardens, with their vibrant colors and gorgeous blooms. However, their beauty often attracts unwanted attention from critters like deer and rabbits looking for an easy snack. Are dahlias resistant to these hungry animals? Or will Bambi and his furry friends devour your precious flowers?
The short answer is that dahlias have some resistance to deer and rabbits but they aren’t completely immune. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your dahlias from becoming a furry feast.
Are Dahlias Deer Resistant?
Deer tend to avoid plants with strong fragrances, prickly textures, bitter tastes or toxicity. Dahlias have a somewhat pungent scent that deters deer. Their tender leaves and buds also aren’t a preferred food.
However, deer aren’t picky eaters. When 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 assume they’ll ignore the plants forever. Hungry deer can still inflict damage, especially on young plants. Protecting dahlias in their first year is crucial.
Are Dahlias Rabbit Resistant?
Like deer, rabbits generally don’t favor dahlias. Their odor and taste makes them a last choice when other food is limited.
Young dahlia seedlings may get nibbled by famished bunnies But mature plants are typically avoided since rabbits can only reach lower leaves and stems, The tubers underground don’t appeal to them either,
Rabbits are most likely to munch dahlias in early spring when food is still sparse. Once warmer weather brings fresh growth, they target tastier options instead
How to Keep Deer and Rabbits From Eating Dahlias
While dahlias aren’t a top menu pick for deer and rabbits, don’t assume your plants are 100% safe. Use these tactics to protect your flowers:
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Install fencing – The most effective protection is installing a physical barrier around your garden. For deer, fences should be at least 8 feet tall. Chicken wire or hardware cloth works for rabbits.
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Apply repellents – Commercial deer and rabbit repellents can deter these animals when sprayed on plants or around the garden’s perimeter. Reapply frequently.
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Add deterrents to soil – Mixing human hair, blood meal, garlic or other scents into the soil can help mask the appeal of dahlias.
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Use scare tactics – Devices like motion-activated sprinklers, flashing lights or noisemakers can startle deer and rabbits away from your garden.
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Clean up fallen food – Removing dropped fruits, vegetables or debris eliminates other food sources that may draw in animals.
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Choose less appealing varieties – Dahlia species like dinnerplate dahlias with higher toxicity are less likely to get nibbled.
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Check for damage – Inspect plants daily and remove any gnawed parts to prevent disease spread. Relocate damaged plants to more protected areas.
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Wait to plant – Delaying planting until after the last frost avoids hungry wildlife in early spring.
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Use companion plants – Intersperse dahlias with smelly plants like sages or onions that help disguise their appeal.
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Plant in containers – Raising dahlias in pots elevates them safely out of reach from rabbits and deer.
What To Do If Deer or Rabbits Eat Your Dahlias
If all prevention fails and your dahlias get devoured, don’t give up hope! As long as the tubers underground are intact, you can revive the plants:
- Cut back any remaining stems to about 6 inches above the soil.
- Thoroughly water the tubers to stimulate regrowth.
- Fertilize with a balanced formula to encourage strong new shoots.
- Cover with cloches, fabric row covers or cages for protection.
- If sprouts are slow, replant dormant tubers in late spring.
With persistence and preventive measures, you can enjoy gorgeous dahlias in your garden despite lurking wildlife. Don’t let Bambi or rabbits stop you from growing these vibrant flowers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dahlias 100% deer proof?
No, dahlias are not completely deer proof. Determined deer that can’t find other food sources may still sample and damage dahlias. Using fencing, repellents and other deterrents is recommended to protect plants.
What about rabbits – will they eat my dahlias?
Rabbits may nibble on young dahlia sprouts in early spring when food is still scarce. But they tend to leave mature plants alone. Again, fencing and repellents help keep rabbits away from dahlias.
What dahlia varieties are most deer/rabbit resistant?
Dahlia species with dark-colored foliage or higher toxicity, like burgundy dinnerplate dahlias, are somewhat less appealing to deer and rabbits. But no variety is fully resistant to a very hungry animal.
How tall should my fence be to keep out deer?
To deter jumping deer, fences around dahlias should be at least 8 feet tall. Some sources recommend 10-foot fencing if you have elk in your area as well.
Will dahlias grow back if partially eaten?
As long as the tubers underground are intact, eaten dahlias can regrow. Cut back damaged stems, water thoroughly, fertilize, and protect new growth with covers to revive plants.
Growing beautiful dahlias doesn’t mean sacrificing them to foraging deer and rabbits. With smart precautions, these hungry animals can be deterred and your flowers can thrive. Use fences, repellents, plant selection and prompt care to keep your dahlias safe from becoming an enticing snack.
Side Note: Our Dahlia-Growing Manifesto
I recently wrote a 216-page book all about growing dahlias: Growing Gorgeous Dahlias: The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Abundant Dahlias from Garden to Flower Farm. Everything we know about growing dahlias is covered int his book! It’s a great read for beginners and experienced growers alike. I encourage you to get a copy or suggest your library buy one for you to borrow!
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 imagine they would eat it if there was nothing else to eat and they were starving and desperate for food. Regardless, I still spent half the season worrying over whether the deer would eat them because you just never know, and apparently I love stressing myself out for no reason.