Do deer eat zucchini flowers?

Do deer eat zucchini flowers? Deer eat everything but do not like zucchini plants. However, the flowers are a different matter. In this article, we will talk about deer and zucchini flowers.

Zucchini blossoms have a special place in your cuisines from salads, risottos, pasta, and soups; there are many ways we can enjoy these flowers. These fragile, delicately-flavored blossoms are vibrant yellow-orange can transform your garden.

Beyond their stunning colors, zucchini flowers have a slightly fragrant scent, which boosts the aroma in your garden. However, if you want to cultivate them, you need to prepare against pests and diseases that might affect your outcome. If deer is a concern around you, then you might ask – do deer eat zucchini flowers?

Deer and succulent zucchini flowers

Unlike the rest of the plant, deer love zucchini flowers. They are highly perishable and enriched with vitamins and minerals, making them attractive to deer. But first, you have to really check if you have a deer problem. Raccoons, skunks, rabbits, rats, and groundhogs are all attracted to zucchini blossoms.

If you find sharp, smooth, and angled damage usually low on the plant, you have bunny damage. An uneven, ragged cut characterizes deer damage. You may also find black droppings and deer hoof prints around. Once you have identified that deer is the problem, here’s what you can do to keep them away from your zucchini flowers.

Fencing

Fencing is the most reliable way to stop deer and rabbits. Consider adding a fence of over 8 or 10 feet. You can also discourage deer by creating a wall of fishing filament stretched about 3 feet off the ground. Do note that these filament ‘fence’ only works for deer.

Another kind of fence you can install is a double fence. This involves creating two 4 (or 5) foot parallel fences spaced about 2 feet apart.

Deer repellents

You can also spray repellents on your zucchini flowers to stop deer from eating them. Be sure to select one that is carefully designed for edible plants. Also, choose two different varieties. That way, you can rotate repellents every few weeks to keep the deer uncertain and surprised.

Individual covering

You can also invest in inexpensive row covers, which will allow sufficient light into your blossoms without allowing most animals to eat them. Row covers will let in light but will require that you pollinate your zucchinis by hand.

Chicken wire

You can also fashion a cage from chicken wire for your zucchini blossoms. All you need to is ensure the cage is secure to the ground. This method is preferred over row covers because it allows bees to pollinate your zucchinis, saving you the need for hand pollination.

Concluding thoughts

Do deer eat zucchini flowers? Yes, they do. Deer love zucchini just like everyone else – human and animal alike. They are great tasting blossoms. However, that can mean a lot of problems for you as a grower. To protect your zucchini blossoms from deer or other animals, use these deterrent methods outlined in this article. That way, you can enjoy a wholesome harvest free of deer problems. Deer resistant plant list…

Do deer eat zucchini plants?

Do deer eat zucchini?

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