Chives are a common kitchen herb, recognized by their thin, grass-like green leaves and delicate purple flowers. As a member of the Allium family, which also includes onions, garlic, and leeks, chives possess a distinct, pungent aroma and flavor. This strong character immediately addresses a frequent concern for gardeners: whether deer like them. The straightforward answer is that deer generally avoid chives, making them a useful addition to gardens where wildlife browsing is a problem.
Are Chives Deer-Resistant?
Chives are widely classified as a deer-resistant plant, placing them on the lowest end of the palatability scale for browsing animals. Their strong scent acts as a natural deterrent, causing deer to pass them over in favor of less-aromatic foliage. Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell to identify food sources, and the powerful odor of chives is highly off-putting to them.
However, no plant is entirely “deer-proof.” Under conditions of extreme food scarcity, such as a severe winter or drought, a hungry deer may browse on chives or other normally avoided plants. Very young or tender chive shoots may be sampled, but deer rarely consume the mature plants in large quantities. The plant’s fibrous texture also contributes to its low appeal.
Chemical Reasons for Deer Avoidance
The deer’s aversion to chives stems directly from the plant’s unique biochemistry. These plants are characterized by a high concentration of sulfur compounds, which are responsible for their sharp taste and strong odor. When the plant’s cells are damaged, such as when a deer bites into a leaf, an enzyme called alliinase rapidly converts these stable sulfur compounds into volatile organosulfur compounds.
These newly formed compounds are highly pungent and repel the deer, affecting both their sense of smell and taste. The compounds create an unappetizing experience for the browsing animal, which is why chives and their relatives are reliably avoided. Because deer use their powerful sense of smell to detect predators, the strong, artificial odor of the chives may also interfere with their ability to sense danger, making the area undesirable.
Using Chives for Garden Protection
Chives can be strategically employed as a natural deterrent for protecting more vulnerable crops. The most effective method is companion planting, which involves placing the chives near plants that deer find highly palatable, such as hostas, tulips, or certain vegetables. Planting a border or a small cluster of chives around these favored plants can help mask their attractive scent with the chives’ own strong aroma.
The chives’ scent acts as a perimeter defense, making the entire area less appealing for foraging. For a temporary boost in repellent strength, lightly crushing or clipping a few chive leaves can release a concentrated burst of the volatile organosulfur compounds, maximizing the odor. Chives offer a simple, effective layer of protection against browsing deer.