If you’re a sunflower enthusiast you know that there’s nothing worse than finding your beloved flowers chewed to pieces by pesky deer. Deer love the taste of sunflowers and will often munch on them as soon as they start to bloom. While there’s no surefire way to keep deer from eating sunflowers there are a few things you can do to deter them.
One of the best ways to keep deer from eating sunflowers is to use a deer-resistant variety. There are many different kinds of sunflowers that are less appealing to deer such as ‘Mammoth’ ‘Russian Mammoth’ and ‘Teddy Bear’. If you’re not sure which variety to choose ask your local nursery or gardening store for recommendations.
In addition to choosing a deer-resistant variety you can also try spraying your sunflowers with a deer repellent. There are many commercially available repellents that contain ingredients that deer don’t like such as garlic chili pepper and vinegar. You can also make your own deer repellent by mixing these ingredients together in a spray bottle.
If you have deer that are still managing to munch on your sunflowers despite your best efforts you may need to resort to fencing them out. A tall fence (at least 8 feet) will deter most deer although they may be able to jump a shorter fence if they’re desperate enough. You can also try installing an electric fence which will give the deer a mild shock if they try to touch it.
Deer can be a real nuisance when it comes to sunflowers but there are ways to deter them. By choosing a deer-resistant variety and spraying your sunflowers with repellent you’ll be able to enjoy your flowers without worry.
What is the best way to keep deer from eating sunflowers?
Fencing is the best way to keep deer from eating sunflowers.
How high does the fence need to be?
The fence needs to be at least 6 feet high.
What type of fence is best?
A wire fence is best.
How close to the sunflowers should the fence be?
The fence should be about 3 feet away from the sunflowers.
Will a fence keep all deer away?
No a fence will not keep all deer away.
What else can be done to keep deer away from sunflowers?
Deer repellent can be sprayed on the sunflowers.
What is the best deer repellent?
The best deer repellent is a commercial deer repellent that contains putrescent egg solids.
How often should the deer repellent be applied?
The deer repellent should be applied every 2 weeks.
What are putrescent egg solids?
Putrescent egg solids are decomposed or rotten eggs.
Will the putrescent egg smell bother people?
The putrescent egg smell may bother some people but it will not hurt them.
How long will the repellent last?
The repellent will last for about 2 weeks.
What is another way to keep deer away from sunflowers?
Planting sunflowers in an area that is not near woods or areas where deer live.
How can you find out where deer live?
You can ask your local wildlife department or do an online search.
What should you do if you see a deer in your sunflower garden?
You should scare the deer away by making loud noises or spraying it with water.
What should you do if a deer eats some of your sunflowers?
You can try to scare the deer away or plant sunflowers that are not as attractive to deer.
