So, you’re curious about bunnies and those bright, sunny marigolds? It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of marigold.
The marigold family is diverse. Let’s clear up the common confusion between two main types:
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Calendula, often labeled “pot marigold,” is generally safe for rabbits in moderation. It’s like a treat, not a main course. Just as with candy, too much calendula can upset a rabbit’s digestion.
Tagetes (French, African Marigolds)
French and African marigolds (Tagetes genus) are a different story. These should be avoided. They contain compounds that can cause digestive problems and potentially more serious health issues for rabbits.
Marigold Nutrition and Repellent Properties
Nutritional Value for Rabbits
While calendula isn’t harmful in small amounts, it’s not a nutritional powerhouse. It contains some Vitamin A and antioxidants, but these are not essential to a rabbit’s diet. Fresh hay and a variety of vegetables should be their primary food sources.
Marigolds as Rabbit Repellents: Do They Work?
Some gardeners believe the strong scent of Tagetes marigolds deters rabbits. This may be true in some cases, especially if other food sources are available. However, a hungry or determined rabbit might still try a bite. For truly effective rabbit-proofing, combine Tagetes with other methods like fencing.
Rabbit Health and Garden Harmony
Signs of Trouble After Ingestion
Even with calendula, moderation is key. Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or digestion after a rabbit eats any marigold. Contact a veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.
Creating a Bunny-Friendly Garden
If you want a garden safe for your rabbit, consider rabbit-friendly flowers like nasturtiums, pansies, and sunflowers. These offer both visual appeal and healthy snacks. A well-fed rabbit is less likely to explore forbidden snacks.
Marigold Type
Safe for Rabbits?
Potential Effects
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Yes, in moderation
Okay as an occasional treat; overeating may cause digestive upset.
Tagetes (French, African Marigolds)
No
Potentially toxic, can cause digestive and other health problems.
How to Keep Rabbits from Eating Your Marigolds: A Comprehensive Guide
Protecting your marigolds involves a multi-layered strategy:
Fortress Marigolds: Building a Bunny-Proof Barrier
Fencing is the most effective protection. Chicken wire or rabbit fencing, at least two feet high and buried a few inches deep, creates a strong barrier. Chicken wire cages protect individual plants.
Repelling Rabbits: The Nose Knows
Commercial or homemade repellents with scents like garlic or rotten eggs can deter rabbits. If you grow vegetables, ensure the repellent is safe for edible plants. Some gardeners suggest Irish Spring soap, but its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
Reaching New Heights: Elevated Gardening
Planting marigolds in raised beds, containers, or hanging baskets makes them harder for rabbits to reach.
Diversion Tactics: Creating a Bunny Buffet
A separate “rabbit garden” with tempting treats like clover or lettuce can distract rabbits from your marigolds.
Marigold Selection: Choosing Wisely
Some marigolds, particularly strong-scented varieties like French marigolds, are less appealing to rabbits than others. Combine this with other preventative measures.
Method
Description
Effectiveness
Fencing
Erecting a physical barrier around your marigolds.
Highly effective, especially when buried underground.
Repellents
Using commercial or homemade sprays to deter rabbits with unpleasant scents.
Planting a separate area with rabbit-friendly plants.
Moderately effective, provides an alternative food source.
Plant Selection
Choosing marigold varieties less appealing to rabbits.
Somewhat effective, best combined with other methods.
Rabbit behavior varies. Experiment to find what works best. Ongoing research continues to explore rabbit behavior.
Rabbit-Proof Your Garden: Flowers Bunnies Won’t Touch
Keeping rabbits out of your garden requires understanding their dislikes:
Scent as a Deterrent
Strong scents can deter rabbits. Marigolds, alyssum, salvia, and catnip are examples. Lantana is a mixed bag—some rabbits avoid it, others don’t. Moreover, parts of lantana are toxic to rabbits, so it’s best avoided.
Texture as a Defense
Rabbits often avoid plants with fuzzy leaves (like ageratum) or prickly textures (like cleome or strawflowers).
Toxicity: Proceed with Caution
Some plants are toxic to rabbits, such as foxgloves, snapdragons, and parts of lantana. Avoid these, especially if children or other pets are present.
Building a Rabbit-Resistant Garden
No single flower is 100% rabbit-proof. Combine strategies for the best results:
Fencing: Chicken wire or rabbit wire, at least two feet high and buried a few inches deep.
Repellents: Garlic or rotten egg sprays.
Prickly/Fuzzy Plants: Incorporate these to make your garden less appealing.
Alternative Food Sources: A “bunny buffet” can divert their attention.
Deterrent Strategy
How it Works
Examples
Scent
Strong smells can repel rabbits.
Marigolds, alyssum, salvia, catnip
Texture
Fuzzy or prickly textures make plants unappealing.
Ageratum, cleome, strawflower, crown of thorns
Physical Barriers
Prevent rabbits from accessing plants.
Fencing, raised beds, containers
Repellents
Create unpleasant tastes or smells.
Garlic, rotten egg sprays
Alternative Food Sources
Divert rabbits’ attention to other plants.
Clover, dandelion, plantain
Rabbit preferences can vary. Experiment to find the best combination of deterrents for your garden.
Do Marigolds REALLY Deter Rabbits and Deer? Separating Fact from Fiction
The belief that marigolds repel rabbits and deer is a common misconception. While some gardeners swear by them, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Rabbits may even eat marigolds, while deer largely ignore them.
Why the Myth Persists
Sometimes, gardens with marigolds remain untouched due to other factors, like predators or a lack of preferred food sources. This can lead to the mistaken belief that marigolds are responsible. However, studies from institutions like Iowa State University and Texas A&M University suggest they’re ineffective.
Effective Rabbit and Deer Deterrents
Fencing: Chicken wire or hardware cloth, 2 feet high, buried 6 inches deep. Protect trees with chicken wire as well.
Habitat Modification: Remove hiding places like dense vegetation and brush piles.
Encouraging Predators: Attract owls and hawks with nesting boxes and perches. Keep lawns mowed short.
Repellents: Commercial repellents with putrescent egg solids, thyme oil, or garlic, or natural options like blood meal and bone meal (use sparingly).
Distraction Planting: Create a “bunny buffet” with clover or alfalfa.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Startle animals in smaller areas.
Shiny Objects: Can act as a visual deterrent.
Deterrent Method
Effectiveness
Notes
Marigolds
Low
Not scientifically proven, may even attract rabbits.
Fencing
High
Physical barrier, requires proper installation.
Habitat Modification
Medium
Removing hiding places makes the garden less appealing.
Encouraging Predators
Medium
Requires suitable environment for predators.
Repellents (Commercial)
High
Effective, follow product instructions.
Repellents (Natural)
Medium
Less potent, requires regular application.
Diversionary Planting
Medium
Provides alternative food source.
Motion-activated Sprinklers
Medium
Effective in smaller areas.
Shiny Objects
Low
Effectiveness varies, can be a supplemental deterrent.
Protecting your garden requires a multi-faceted approach. Combine different techniques for the best results. Ongoing research continues to explore new pest control approaches.
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