Yes, rabbits can eat petunias. They particularly favor the tender, succulent flower heads of both grandiflora and milliflora varieties. Gardeners often notice signs of rabbit feeding such as cleanly cut stems and partially eaten flowers. To protect petunias, consider planting them in raised beds or containers, as well as using chicken wire with small openings. Additionally, deterrents like garlic or cayenne pepper can be effective when reapplied after watering. Implementing these strategies can help safeguard your garden from rabbit damage. To enhance your garden's resilience, there are additional protective measures you can explore.
Understanding Petunias
Petunias are well-loved for their bright colors and easy maintenance, making them a popular option for bedding plants.
There are different types of petunias to choose from, such as grandiflora and milliflora. However, a common problem when growing petunias is damage from rabbits, especially since they tend to eat the tender flower heads.
To prevent rabbit damage, one can opt for planting petunias in raised beds or containers. Additionally, using fences or repellents can also help in protecting these delicate flowers.
Rabbit Dietary Habits
To understand why petunias often fall victim to rabbit damage, it's important to examine the dietary habits of rabbits. Rabbits eat a variety of plants, including flower heads, due to their preference for tender, succulent vegetation.
Common dietary preferences include:
- Flower heads of petunias
- Ground-hugging plants like milliflora petunias
- Other garden plants
- Succulent petals of grandiflora varieties
Signs of Rabbit Damage
A clear indication of rabbit damage on petunias is the presence of cleanly cut stems and partially eaten flower heads. These signs are typical as rabbits favor the tender parts of petunias, particularly the flower heads.
Identifying rabbit damage early is important for gardeners to take appropriate action and protect their plants from further harm.
Protective Measures
Given the detrimental impact rabbits can have on petunias, implementing effective protective measures is paramount for maintaining the health and aesthetics of your garden.
Consider the following strategies:
- Utilize raised beds to elevate petunias above rabbit reach.
- Install chicken wire with a mesh size of 1 inch or smaller.
- Remove hiding spots to limit rabbit access.
- Apply natural deterrents like garlic or cayenne pepper.
Rabbit Deterrents
Implementing effective rabbit deterrents is essential for safeguarding petunias from potential damage. Raising petunias in tall pots, hanging baskets, or using fencing with small openings can protect them.
Additionally, chicken wire fencing about 18 inches tall is effective. Homemade rabbit repellents, such as garlic, cayenne pepper, and coffee grounds, can also deter rabbits. Reapply repellents after watering or rain to maintain efficacy.
Alternative Plant Choices
When protecting petunias from rabbits becomes a persistent challenge, considering alternative plant choices such as vinca or geraniums may be a practical solution. These alternatives are less appealing to rabbits, offering a resilient garden.
Key options include:
- Vinca: Hardy and rabbit-resistant.
- Geraniums: Less attractive to rabbits.
- Compact milliflora: Lower rabbit appeal.
- Larger grandiflora: Vulnerable to rabbits.