What's eating my petunias? archived

slr

Jun 28, 2008 at 12:54pm

We have 3 big baskets of petunias. Two are in a different location and are not attacked. But the third basket is in the front of the house and it keeps flowering, but the blossoms are being nibbled as soon as they open. We can see the chew marks/half-eaten petals. I keep pinching them off and the next round comes up -- then they're eaten again. We definitely have squirrels around here, and I've seen a rabbit too. Would they eat petunias? If so is there something I can use to discourage this snack? Can I spinkle pepper or spray something on the plant that would make it taste bad to the animals?

greenetree

Jun 28, 2008 at 7:03pm

If it's holes in the middle of the petals and not eaten from the edges (like mine) more likely insects than animals.

My collards and petunias look like lace. The damage is very japanese beetle-esque, although it seems early. I am putting the beetle traps out tomorrow.

I use predator urine to keep the nibblers away from my garden, but the beetles are apparently not impressed by coyotes.

slr

Jun 29, 2008 at 1:45pm

Thanks, greenetree. Mine are nibbled from the edges so I think it's likely that it's animals. I'm a gardening newbie, so I don't know where one would procure predator urine. And what is the predator of a rabbit? squirrel?

calliope

Jun 29, 2008 at 3:19pm

The predator urine can be purchased at most garden centers--usually wolf and coyote. Be warned--it STINKS and needs to be re-applied after every rain.

I would guess rabbits or Groundhogs eating the petunias. If you look in Defcon's Bunnies thread, I posted a picture of a groundhog eating my potted petunias.

I have no suggestions for deterrants--- I usually surrender my plants to the animals.

Calli

greenetree

Jun 29, 2008 at 3:48pm

Calli - I use little plastic containers that I only have to refill once every three or four weeks. It smells at first, but the drops to an undetectable level very quickly.

Fox urine is good for squirrels, not sure about rabbits. You can do a little Google or go to The Mill.