Zinnias are popular annual flowers, prized by gardeners for their vibrant colors and ability to bloom continuously throughout the summer season. While they bring spectacular visual appeal to a garden bed, these bright flowers often become a target for local wildlife. Protecting tender plants from rabbits is a persistent concern for many gardeners.
The Palatability of Zinnia Plants
Zinnias are not consistently avoided by rabbits; their palatability depends on the plant’s maturity and the availability of other food sources. Mature plants are less appealing due to their slightly tougher texture, but this does not make them immune to grazing. Rabbits display a preference for young, tender growth, meaning newly sprouted zinnia seedlings are particularly vulnerable. When preferred food, like clover or alfalfa, is scarce, rabbits will readily turn to zinnias for sustenance.
Identifying Rabbit Damage Versus Other Garden Pests
Confirming rabbit damage requires looking for specific visual evidence on the affected plants. Rabbit damage is typically characterized by clean, sharp cuts made at a 45-degree angle on stems and leaves. This distinct appearance is a result of their sharp incisor teeth, which clip the material rather than tearing it. Grazing usually occurs low to the ground, within a foot of the soil line. Damage occurring higher up, often with ragged edges, is more likely caused by deer, while small, round fecal pellets nearby signal rabbit activity.
Effective Deterrents and Barriers for Protection
Physical Barriers
The most reliable method for protecting zinnias involves installing a physical barrier that prevents rabbits from accessing the plants entirely. A fence should be constructed using fine mesh, such as galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth, with openings no larger than one inch. The barrier must stand at least 24 inches high, as rabbits are capable of reaching and sometimes jumping over lower obstructions. The physical perimeter also needs to be secured beneath the soil line, extending down about six inches and bent outward in an L-shape away from the garden. This buried flange prevents rabbits from digging underneath the fencing.
Chemical and Scent Deterrents
Beyond physical exclusion, gardeners can employ various deterrents that rely on taste or scent to discourage foraging. Commercial or homemade repellent sprays containing ingredients like hot pepper, garlic, or a distasteful egg-based mixture can be applied directly to the foliage. Scent-based options, such as dried blood meal or granular repellents, work by creating an odor rabbits find unpleasant. These deterrents require consistent reapplication, especially after rainfall or as new zinnia growth emerges, to maintain effectiveness against persistent grazing.