Do Deer Eat Petunias? [8 Best Ways To Prevent It]

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Do Deer Eat Petunias? Petunias are popular flowering plants. This genus contains 20 species that originate from South America.

They belong to the Solanaceae family, according to Palomar College. They are best known as perennials and are primarily found in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Petunias prefer growing in areas receiving 5-6 hours of adequate sunlight. They need to be watered twice daily during the hot summer months.

However, during winter, the plant becomes dormant, so they do not need much water.

The leaves of petunias may turn yellow if the plant is not receiving adequate sunlight, if there is a lack of fertilizers, and if it is kept in poorly drained soil.

Deer are herbivores as they feed on various vegetation, including grass, stems, and leaves of different plants.

And their complex digestive system helps them digest a fibrous diet easily.

 

Do Deer Eat Petunias?

Petunias are referred to as deer candies. Deer eat an insatiable amount of petunias whenever they come across them. Petunias are tall enough to be devoured whole and have high water content, making them taste good.

 

How to Prevent Deer From Feeding on Your Petunias

Protecting the petunias from deer can be quite a challenge.

Following are some methods to prevent deer from munching on your petunias.

 

1. Use Deer Repellent

Use a deer repellent that is non-toxic and not foul. Natural sticking agents are present in the repellents, which do not cause any harm to the plant.

They also help the plant retain the essential oils and the deer-repellent ingredients on plants during rain.

You will need to apply the repellent again after every 3 to 4 weeks.

 

2. Add Levels/Hindrances

Deer cannot climb to high heights, so adding a bunch of terraces and beds can prevent them from destroying your backyard.

Moreover, you can add a bunch of pallets as they find them apprehensive.

 

3. Use Motion Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are one of the most valuable methods to keep the deer away.

Due to their restive nature, they get scared of loud noises and constant movement.

 

4. Plant Other Companions Around

Planting other companion plants is an old yet valuable method.

Plant deer deterrent plants, flowers, and vegetables near your petunias, like lavender, daffodils, garlic, dill, sage, and rosemary.

Deer do not like the pungent aroma of garlic.

 

5. Use Invisible Black Mesh Nets

Fasten a good-quality black mesh net to the garden post. This method is preferred to keep the deer away from petunias.

The net to be fastened to the ground should be 8 feet tall. This is a significant hindrance to keeping the deer from jumping the fence.

 

6. Use Human/Animal Hair

If a deer in the garden encounters a predator’s or a human’s scent, it will not come near that area.

Animal urine can also be used for this purpose.

 

7. Install Fences

Using fences is the most effective method of protecting your petunias from deer. The deer will stay away from the plants, and the plants will be able to grow freely.

Make sure you put a wire fence about 7-8 feet tall. You can also use the electric fence to protect the plants.

 

8. Use Red Cat Eyes

Fake red cat eyes are helpful in keeping the deer from eating petunia plants.

 

Facts About Petunias

• The green leaves of petunias are covered with hair. The leaves can be heart or oval-shaped.
• The flowers of petunias are trumpet-shaped and have varying colors.
• Petunias bloom from spring to autumn.
• Some of the petunias are edible. The taste of their flowers is spicy.

Do Deer Eat Grass?

Deer eat grasses, shoots, leaves of trees and fruits, and berries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Deer Eating Petunias

 

How much do deer eat a day?

A deer usually eats two pounds of food daily per 100 pounds of its weight. Lactating females might consume more for their nutritional requirements to be met.

 

Why do deer not prefer to eat grass?

Deer do not prefer to eat grass as grass shoots can be digested easily. Whitetail deer eat grass, but they do not like to. They prioritize eating wheat, oats, rye, and mushrooms as well. Mushrooms are rich in proteins and phosphorous.

 

What is the best temperature for petunias to grow?

During the nighttime, petunias can survive at 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 18 degrees Celsius); in the daytime, they can stay at 61 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 26 degrees Celsius).

 

Do the petunias grow back after being eaten by deer?

If the deer eat the whole plant, then there is nothing left. However, if only a part of the plant is ingested, which rarely happens, you can grow another. Remove the damaged plant and use fertilizers frequently to make the plant grow.

 

Where do mule deer prefer to live?

Mule deer live in remote areas and prefer to live in the wilderness. They require ample space to find the adequate food needed for survival. Those living in rocky mountains migrate downhill during winter to find food. In summer, they live in rocky mountains on elevated areas.

 

Conclusion to Deer Eat Petunias?

Deers love petunias. They eat as much of these flowers as possible if no preventative measures are taken.