Do Marigolds Truly Repel Deer and Rabbits?
Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are annuals in all U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones. Often marigolds, with their slightly bitter, sharp odor, are planted to attempt and maintain grazing animals like deer and rabbits out of the yard. While these animals frequently avoid strong or unknown smells as possible risks, marigolds don’t keep either deer or rabbits out of the garden.
Do Not Scare Me
Neither deer rabbits appear to like the taste of marigolds. However both will consume marigolds when there isn’t anything more appetizing in the region. A marigold does not stop either animal from entering a yard or garden in search of delicious plants. Deer have long legs that they use to step past a plant they are uninterested in eating, such as a marigold, to achieve something attractive. Rabbits can jump above marigolds, but most frequently they walk right through them in their way to tastier plants.