Do Deer Eat Mums: How To Protect Mums, Deer Feeding Habit
As gardeners, we put a lot of effort into growing and caring for our plants and flowers. But during their growth, there is also a danger that animals do not make them their food. However, if you live in a deer area, you may be wondering: Do deer eat Mums?
In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with tips on how to protect your mothers from deer.
Understanding Deer And Their Feeding Habits
Before we answer the question whether deer eat Mums or not. Initially, having a comprehensive understanding of the feeding habits of deer is vital, in my opinion Deer are herbivores and mainly eat leaves, stems and buds of plants.
Let me explain further, the Deer have a wide diet that includes everything from grass to twigs and even fruits and vegetables. Deer have a broad diet and can consume various types of vegetation. Their eating habits are mainly influenced by the availability of food in their habitat. Hence, they tend to consume whatever food is readily available to them. However, if they do not find the food they like or want to eat, they go in search of another food.
See Also: Prince of Orange Plant
Do Deer eat Mums
Yes, deer do consume mums, although they are not their primary food choice. Mums may serve as a secondary option for deer when other sources of food are scarce or unavailable In fact, mums are often considered a “last resort” food source for deer. This is because mums have a bitter taste and a strong scent, which makes them unappealing to deer.
You can take an example, If a deer searches for food for several hours but it can’t find anything then the deer can eat mum otherwise it can not be a daily feed of deer. See Also: Dahlia Red Flowers
Mum Species and Cultivar
There are hundreds of species and cultivars of chrysanthemums, which vary in size, shape, color, fragrance, and growth habit.
Some mums are more resistant to deer than others, either because they contain natural repellents, such as bitter or pungent compounds, or because they have a tough or hairy foliage that is harder to chew. That’s how you can easily know that the deer can eat your mum flower or not. Some examples of deer-resistant mum cultivars are:
- Sheffield Pink
- Clara Curtis
- Mary Stoker
- Ryan’s Pink
- Brandywine
- Autumn Fire
On the other hand, some mum cultivars are more attractive to deer by their fragrance and taste features.
- Autumn Sunset
- Coral Charm
- Hot Lava
- Matchsticks
- Penny Lane
See Also: Flowering Mint
How to Protect Your Mums from Deer
To safeguard your mums from being damaged by deer, there are several preventive measures you can take. The following suggestions may prove useful in this regard.
1. Apply a Safe and Effective Repellent Solution
Using deer repellent can effectively deter deer from damaging your mums. However, it’s essential to thoroughly read the instructions before applying the deer repellent to determine the appropriate quantity and frequency of use Some popular ingredients in deer repellent include garlic, pepper, and blood meal. These ingredients are not harmful to deer, but they are unpleasant and will deter them from eating your mums.
2. Plant Deer-Resistant Varieties
Another way to protect your mums from deer is to plant deer-resistant varieties. As I elaborate above, there are several types of mums that are less appealing to deer.
For example, “Autumn Fire,” “Sheffield Pink,” and “Crimson Tide.” These varieties have a stronger scent and taste than other mums, which makes them less likely to be eaten by deer. See Also: Leopard Lily
3. Use Fencing
Installing a Fence is a Reliable Method to Safeguard Your Mums from Deer. It’s essential to construct the fence with a minimum height of 8 feet as deer are capable of leaping as high as 8 feet. Additionally, you may use netting or mesh to shield your mums from deer.
To ensure the fence’s effectiveness in keeping deer away from your mums, it’s advisable to inspect it regularly for any indications of damage or deterioration. It’s important to fix any damage promptly to ensure that the fence remains effective in safeguarding your mums.
4. Remove Other Food Sources
If you want to keep deer away from your mother, you need to remove other food sources from your yard. Therefore, if you have anything near your flowers that will attract the attention of deer, you will create more opportunities for deer to damage your mums. These include things like bird feeders and fruit trees. If no other food is available, deer will be less likely to eat your mothers.
Do Deer Eat Watermelon
Deer have a diverse diet that includes grass, leaves, and twigs. However, it may come as a surprise that deer also enjoy eating watermelon. These elegant creatures take pleasure in savoring the juicy sweetness of watermelons whenever they get the chance. Watermelons serve as a refreshing and hydrating treat for deer, especially during the hot summer months when water sources might be scarce.
With their sharp teeth, deer can effortlessly bite into the tender flesh of a watermelon and relish its succulent pulp. Just remember to offer watermelons in moderation, as they should not become a significant part of their regular diet. See Also: Syngonium Neon Robusta
What Flowers Do Deer Not Eat
Here is a list of flowers that deer typically do not eat:
- Daffodils
- Marigolds
- Snapdragons
- Foxgloves
- Lavender
- Salvias
- Yarrow
- Ageratum
These particular flowers possess characteristics that deter deer from eating them. They may have a potent fragrance, a bitter flavor, or contain compounds that are unattractive or even harmful to deer. As a result, deer are less inclined to consume these flowers. Including these flowers in your garden or landscape not only adds beauty but also helps create an environment that is resistant to deer grazing. See Also: Cucumber plant stages
Do deer eat tulips
Tulips are known for their beauty and vibrant colors, making them a beloved flower. However, deer typically avoid eating tulips because of their bitter taste and unappealing compounds. These natural deterrents help protect the tulip blooms.
If you’re worried about deer damaging your tulips, you can relax knowing that they are not a preferred choice for these animals. Planting tulips in your garden adds elegance while minimizing the risk of deer damage. Enjoy the stunning beauty of tulips without the concern of them being eaten by deer.
FAQs
Indeed, if there are no other food sources around, all types of deer may eat mums as they find them quite palatable.
Yes, you can use homemade deer repellent to protect your mums. Some popular ingredients for homemade deer repellent include hot sauce, soap, and eggs.
Yes, planting deer-resistant varieties of mums can help deter deer from eating them. These varieties are typically less appealing to deer due to their taste and scent.
Yes, there are several eco-friendly and non-toxic methods to deter deer from eating mums, which are mentioned in detail above.
Generally, deer repellent is safe to use around pets and children. It is essential to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using any product, including deer repellent, to ensure its safe and effective use.
Conclusion
To sum up, deer may consume mums if no other food options are available. Nevertheless, there are various ways to shield your mums from deer, including utilizing deer repellent, planting deer-resistant varieties, implementing fencing, and removing other food sources from your yard.
By following these tips, you can save your mums flowers from deer and enjoy their beauty without having to worry about anything.
