Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, are attractive to a variety of wildlife. Rabbits are opportunistic herbivores and a common culprit when tender plants vanish overnight. Understanding their diet and habits is key to protecting a home garden from these foragers.
Consumption Habits of Rabbits
Rabbits actively consume broccoli plants and are particularly drawn to the younger, more succulent parts. They prefer the tender leaves and thin stems, which are easier to digest and higher in moisture content. The dense, fibrous stalk and the floret head, the part humans typically eat, are generally less appealing. These tougher parts may cause digestive issues and are often avoided unless other food sources are scarce. The soft texture of the young foliage makes broccoli an appealing target, even if it is not a primary component of their natural wild diet.
Identifying Rabbit Damage
Confirming rabbit damage requires looking for specific signs on the plant. Rabbits possess sharp incisors that leave a remarkably clean, precise cut on stems and leaves. This damage often appears as if the plant was clipped with pruning shears, typically at a 45-degree angle.
This clean-cut appearance differentiates rabbit damage from that left by larger animals, such as deer, which tend to leave a ragged, torn edge. Rabbit damage is usually confined to a height of about two feet or less above the ground. Secondary evidence, such as small, round, pellet-like droppings, is frequently deposited in the immediate area where they have been feeding.
Exclusion and Repellent Methods
Physical Exclusion
The most reliable strategy for protecting broccoli plants involves physical exclusion. A fence should be at least two to three feet high, since rabbits are capable of standing and jumping. The wire mesh must be one inch or less in size to ensure young rabbits cannot squeeze through.
A fence must also deter burrowing. This requires burying the bottom edge of the fencing material at least six inches into the soil. Alternatively, an L-shaped footer can be created by bending the bottom six inches of the wire mesh outward on the ground. Securing this footer prevents a rabbit from digging beneath the fence line.
Repellent Methods
Repellents offer a secondary line of defense, though they are less reliable than exclusion fencing. These products are broadly categorized into taste-based and odor-based deterrents. Taste-based repellents, which often contain bitter agents or putrescent egg solids, make the plant unpalatable.
Odor-based repellents use strong smells, such as garlic or predator urine scents, to create an unpleasant environment. Since the effectiveness of all repellents diminishes over time due to weathering and plant growth, they must be frequently reapplied, particularly after rain. Gardeners should also rotate between different types of repellents to prevent rabbits from becoming accustomed to a single scent or taste.