Marigolds are vibrant, common garden fixtures, recognizable by their yellow and orange blooms and pungent aroma. Gardeners often plant them for color and as a natural way to deter pests. A common question for gardeners is whether these plants are a target for rabbits and if they provide protection for surrounding vegetables. This article explores the relationship between rabbits and these popular flowers, focusing on their safety and effectiveness in a wildlife-prone garden.
Do Rabbits Really Eat Marigolds?
Rabbits generally consider the common garden marigold, particularly the Tagetes species like French and African marigolds, to be unappealing compared to other garden fare. The primary reason for this avoidance is the plant’s strong, aromatic scent and bitter taste. These characteristics stem from specific chemical compounds produced by the plant as a natural defense mechanism. The pungent odor alone is often enough to make a rabbit look for a more palatable meal nearby. A hungry rabbit, however, may still sample the plant, especially if other food sources are scarce. While Tagetes varieties are typically avoided, it is important to note the distinction from Calendula officinalis, or pot marigolds, which are milder and sometimes safely consumed as a treat by domestic rabbits.
Safety Concerns Regarding Marigold Consumption
Should a rabbit consume common garden marigolds, the plants are generally considered non-toxic to mildly toxic, meaning they are unlikely to cause severe poisoning or fatality. The bitter compounds that deter rabbits typically lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. This may manifest as temporary stomach irritation or a slight digestive disturbance. The foliage and stems of the Tagetes species contain higher concentrations of the irritating compounds than the petals. This mild irritation often serves as a negative feedback loop, discouraging the rabbit from consuming the plant again.
Strategies for Rabbit-Proofing Your Garden
For gardeners facing consistent rabbit browsing, physical exclusion remains the most reliable strategy, especially for vulnerable crops. A properly installed fence is the gold standard, as rabbits are excellent jumpers and diggers. The barrier should stand 24 to 30 inches tall to prevent rabbits from hopping over it. To counteract digging, the fencing material must also be buried 6 to 12 inches into the soil. Use strong material like galvanized hardware cloth with a mesh size of one inch or smaller so young rabbits cannot squeeze through.
Supplementing this physical barrier with a border of aromatic plants provides an extra layer of deterrence. Commercial or homemade taste and scent deterrents can also protect plants outside of fenced areas. These repellents require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or watering, to maintain their effectiveness against persistent foragers.
Other Plants Rabbits Tend to Avoid
To create a rabbit-resistant landscape, gardeners can strategically choose plants that possess natural deterrent qualities. Many herbs and flowers are avoided by rabbits because of their strong, bitter taste and pungent fragrance. Examples of these include lavender, rosemary, and mint, all of which contain volatile oils that rabbits find overwhelming.
Other plants use texture or internal chemistry as a defense. Rabbits generally dislike plants with fuzzy or leathery leaves, such as Lamb’s Ear. Additionally, plants that produce a milky sap, like Milkweed, are often bypassed because the sap is mildly irritating or toxic upon ingestion. Selecting species with these traits can significantly reduce browsing damage in the garden.