Zinnias are popular annual flowers known for their vibrant colors and ease of growth in home gardens. Gardeners often worry about whether these blooms are safe from local wildlife. Zinnias are generally not considered reliably rabbit-resistant, especially when they are young and tender. While established zinnias are sometimes avoided, this resistance is often overridden by factors like drought or a scarcity of preferred food sources.
The Appeal of Zinnias to Rabbits
Rabbits are attracted to the soft texture and high moisture content of young plant tissue. Newly sprouted zinnia seedlings and transplants are highly vulnerable because their succulent shoots are easily consumed, providing an effortless meal for rabbits seeking new growth.
As the zinnia plant matures, its foliage develops a slightly rougher, fuzzier texture. This coarse surface is less appealing to rabbits compared to smoother leaves, contributing to the plant’s reputation for being avoided later in the season. However, this textural deterrent is not a guarantee of safety, particularly in early spring when natural forage is limited.
Wild rabbits are generalist herbivores, sampling a wide variety of plants. Unlike other garden flowers that contain strong odors, bitter flavors, or milky sap, zinnias lack significant defensive compounds. This absence of a chemical deterrent means a hungry rabbit may readily consume mature leaves if preferred food sources are unavailable.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Zinnias
The most dependable defense against rabbit damage is physical barriers. Temporary exclusion cages made from hardware cloth or chicken wire can be placed over young zinnia seedlings. The mesh size should be no larger than one inch to prevent smaller rabbits from squeezing through.
For permanent protection, a perimeter fence offers the best solution for an entire garden area. This barrier should stand at least 24 to 30 inches tall, as most cottontail rabbits cannot jump higher than two feet. To prevent burrowing, the bottom edge of the fence should be secured tightly to the ground or buried six inches deep, bent outward at a 90-degree angle.
Repellents offer a secondary defense, working through bad taste or offensive odor. Commercial taste-based repellents often contain compounds like rotten egg solids or capsaicin, making the foliage unpalatable. These sprays must be reapplied consistently after rain or overhead watering to maintain effectiveness on new growth.
Cultural practices can also dissuade rabbits from lingering. Planting fragrant herbs they dislike (such as rosemary, mint, or basil) near vulnerable flowers creates a localized scent barrier. Removing dense brush piles or tall weeds eliminates potential hiding spots and reduces the area’s attractiveness as a habitat.
Understanding Rabbit Feeding Patterns
Rabbits are most active and likely to feed during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk. Understanding this peak feeding time allows gardeners to focus monitoring and defense efforts. Observing the garden during these times can confirm the presence of rabbits and help identify their specific feeding locations.
Damage caused by rabbits is distinguishable from that of other common garden pests like deer. Rabbits use sharp incisor teeth to make a clean, 45-degree angle cut on stems and leaves, similar to a cut made by shears. In contrast, deer lack lower incisors and tend to tear, leaving a ragged, uneven edge on the plant material.
Rabbits often follow established travel routes, referred to as pathways, to enter and exit a garden space. Identifying these narrow trails indicates where a physical barrier should be concentrated. Damage is most severe in early spring when the rabbits’ natural food supply is lowest, making new garden growth highly desirable.