There’s nothing more frustrating than investing time, money, and effort into creating a beautiful garden, only to have it eaten by deer. Deer are notorious for wreaking havoc on gardens, especially on annuals. However, there are a few annuals that deer won’t eat, giving you the opportunity to create a stunning garden without the fear of deer destroying it. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top 12 annuals that deer won’t eat and provide tips on how to grow them.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a vibrant and robust annual that deer tend to avoid due to their strong aroma. These beautiful flowers are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and maroon.
To plant marigolds, you’ll need to choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Marigolds aren’t picky about soil type, but they do require it to be well-draining. After you’ve selected your location, dig a hole that’s deep enough for the root ball of your marigold plant. Place the plant in the hole and fill it in with soil, ensuring the plant is at the same depth it was growing at in its pot. Press the soil down lightly and water thoroughly.
As for growing, marigolds are quite low-maintenance. Water them thoroughly once a week, and more often during hot, dry periods. Marigolds also benefit from a light application of all-purpose granular fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer. With proper care, marigolds will bloom from spring until fall.
Zinnias
Zinnias are radiant annuals that deer usually give a wide berth. Known for their variety of sizes and bright colors, they are a perfect selection for a deer-resistant garden.
To plant zinnias, select a site that receives full sun and has rich, well-draining soil. Zinnias prefer a pH neutral soil, so you may need to add garden lime or sulfur depending on your soil test results. Sow zinnia seeds directly into the garden in late spring, as this plant prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches, then level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Sow the seeds one-quarter inch deep and follow the instructions on the seed packet for spacing and thinning. Water the area gently.
For growing zinnias, keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overhead watering as this can lead to mildew on the foliage. Feed with a general-purpose garden fertilizer to support strong growth and prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Zinnias are relatively trouble-free if planted in well-draining soil and full sun.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a favorite among gardeners not only for their vibrant, cheerful flowers but also because they are usually avoided by deer. Their peppery foliage and blooms deter deer, making them an excellent addition to your deer-resistant garden.
To plant nasturtiums, choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade. These plants are not fussy about soil and can thrive in poor, well-drained soil. Indeed, they often produce more blooms in less fertile soil. However, they do need well-draining soil to prevent water-logging. You can sow nasturtium seeds directly in the garden bed after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Water the area gently after planting.
Taking care of growing nasturtiums is relatively straightforward. They are drought-tolerant and don’t require frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry periods, they will benefit from a deep watering. Nasturtiums don’t typically need regular feeding. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms. These plants are also relatively pest-free, further adding to their appeal. Regularly deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons, with their charming, dragon-shaped blooms, are a delightful addition to a deer-resistant garden. They are unappetizing to deer due to their bitter taste.
Planting snapdragons starts with choosing a location that receives full sun to partial shade. These annuals prefer well-drained, rich soil. It is best to start snapdragon seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date. You can directly sow them in the garden, but they may not bloom until late summer. Prepare your seed trays with a quality seed starting mix and sow snapdragon seeds on the surface, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for the best germination.
Growing snapdragons require regular watering, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. They appreciate a dose of all-purpose garden fertilizer every 4 to 5 weeks to support their growth and blooming. Pruning back snapdragons after their first bloom will encourage a second burst of flowers. They are generally pest-free but watch out for rust, a common disease that can be managed with regular fungicide treatment.
Cosmos
Cosmos are a favorite in many gardens due to their dainty, cosmos-like flowers that are usually unappealing to deer. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and maroon, making them a versatile addition to your deer-resistant garden.
To plant cosmos, choose a location in your garden that receives full sun as they thrive in bright light. They are not particular about the soil but prefer a well-drained, average to poor fertility ground. Indeed, too fertile soil can lead to more foliage and fewer blooms. Cosmos seeds can be directly sown in the garden after the last spring frost. Prepare the soil by removing any weed and working in some organic matter if needed. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to grow. After planting, water the area gently.
For growing cosmos, they require minimal care. These plants are drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during dry periods will encourage blooming. Fertilizing is usually not necessary, as they do well in average to poor soils. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. While cosmos are generally pest-free, keep an eye out for aphids and treat them accordingly with an insecticidal soap if necessary.
Petunias
Petunias, with their wide array of vibrant colors and patterns, are an iconic addition to your deer-resistant garden. They are generally unappealing to deer, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to maintain beauty in the yard while keeping the deer away.
To plant petunias, choose a location in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight, as they need at least five to six hours of light each day to bloom properly. They prefer well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. If you’re starting petunias from seeds, it’s best to begin indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Sow petunia seeds on the surface of the soil as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
Caring for growing petunias involves regular watering, but ensure the soil dries out between watering to prevent root rot. They benefit from an application of slow-release fertilizer at planting time and a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller, known for its silver-gray foliage, is an excellent choice for a deer-resistant garden. Their unique color and texture make them a striking addition to any garden, and their bitter taste keeps deer at bay.
Planting Dusty Miller involves selecting a location in your garden that is exposed to full sun but they can tolerate partial shade. They thrive in well-drained soil. Whether you’re starting from seeds or young plants, it’s best to plant Dusty Millers after the danger of frost has passed. If planting from seeds, you may start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds on the surface of a seed starting mix as they require light to germinate. If you have young plants, plant them 10 to 12 inches apart to allow them room to spread.
Growing Dusty Miller is relatively easy. They are drought-tolerant plants and do not require frequent watering. Wait until the top layer of soil is dry before watering again. They don’t need regular feeding, but an occasional light application of a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial. They are generally free from pests and diseases, but watch out for aphids and treat them if necessary. Regularly prune your Dusty Miller to maintain its shape and promote fuller growth.
Lobelia
Lobelia, recognized for its delicate, vibrant blooms, is another exceptional addition to your deer-resistant garden. The intense blues, purples, and whites of Lobelia flowers can bring a charming touch to your garden landscape.
To plant Lobelia, select a location in your garden that gets partial to full sunlight. Lobelia can also thrive in partial shade, especially in hotter climates. They prefer rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. If you’re starting Lobelia from seeds, it’s best to commence indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the Lobelia seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but refrain from overwatering.
For growing Lobelia, regular watering is crucial, but avoid waterlogging the soil as it may lead to root rot. They are not heavy feeders, but an application of balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in mid-summer can promote blooming. Pruning spent blooms can encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Generally, Lobelia is pest-free, but keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars.
Salvia
Salvia, known for its vibrant, tubular flowers and aromatic foliage, is an excellent addition to your deer-resistant garden. The strong scent of salvia, while delightful to humans, is usually avoided by deer, making them a perfect choice for keeping deer at bay.
To plant salvia, select a location in your garden that receives full sun, as they prefer 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. They are adaptable to various soil types but thrive best in well-drained soil. If you’re planting salvia from seeds, it’s advisable to start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch in a seed-starting mix and maintain moisture without saturating the soil.
Growing salvia requires some care. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil dries out between watering to prevent root rot. Salvia plants are moderate feeders and benefit from an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Although salvia is generally pest-free, watch out for aphids and treat them accordingly if necessary.
Verbena
Verbena, renowned for its vibrant clusters of flowers and ability to attract butterflies, is an excellent choice for your deer-resistant garden. Deer usually ignore these fragrant, colorful plants, making them an ideal addition to your landscape.
To plant Verbena, choose a site in your garden that gets full sun, as they prefer a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sunlight daily for best growth. They adapt well to various soil types but thrive best in well-drained soil. If you’re planting Verbena from seeds, it’s recommended to start indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, lightly covering with soil, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
Growing Verbena requires some care. Regular watering is vital, especially during dry periods, but ensure the soil dries out between watering to prevent root rot. Verbena plants are moderate feeders and benefit from an application of slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season and a liquid fertilizer every four weeks during the growing period. Removing faded blooms can encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Although Verbena is generally pest-free, watch out for aphids and caterpillars and treat them accordingly if necessary.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum, acclaimed for its tiny, fragrant flowers that form a carpet of snowy white, is a must-have for your deer-resistant garden. Its sweet fragrance is a hit with gardeners but is generally ignored by deer, making it a perfect choice to keep deer away while providing a delightful sensory experience.
To plant Sweet Alyssum, choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade, as it can tolerate a range of light conditions. However, for the most prolific blooming, a position with more sunlight is ideal. The plant prefers well-drained soil and is even tolerant of poor soils, making it a versatile option for various garden landscapes. If you’re planting Sweet Alyssum from seeds, it’s recommended to start indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
When it comes to growing Sweet Alyssum, this plant is generally low-maintenance. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, but make sure the soil drains well between watering to prevent waterlogging. Sweet Alyssum isn’t a heavy feeder, but an occasional application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can encourage lush growth and a profusion of blooms. Pruning spent blooms can help maintain a neat appearance and stimulate continuous blooming throughout the season. Sweet Alyssum is normally pest-free, but keep an eye out for typical garden pests like aphids and caterpillars.
Lantana
Lantana, famous for its bright, clustered flowers and ability to withstand high heat, is a great addition to your deer-resistant garden. The plant’s strong scent, while pleasing for many gardeners, is typically avoided by deer, making it an effective choice for a deer deterrent.
To plant Lantana, select a location in your garden with full sun exposure, as they thrive in 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Lantana is adaptable to various soil types, but it performs best in well-drained soil. If you’re planting Lantana from seeds, it’s advisable to start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in a seed-starting mix and maintain a steady moisture level without oversaturating the soil.
Growing Lantana requires minimal care. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is crucial, but allow the soil to dry out between watering times to prevent root rot. Lantana plants are light feeders, so a slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied at the beginning of the growing season will suffice for their nutritional needs. Deadheading spent blooms promotes continuous flowering throughout the season. While generally pest-free, do monitor for common garden pests, treating them as necessary.
Happy Gardening!
Creating a deer-resistant garden is not impossible. By choosing the right annuals, you can have a beautiful garden that is free from deer damage. The top 15 annuals mentioned above are just some of the options available to you. When planting your garden, make sure to keep in mind your soil type, sun exposure, and watering needs, and you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful and deer-resistant garden.
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