Knowledgebase

Deer Damage #875980

Asked July 05, 2024, 10:31 AM EDT

Deer have eaten the tops of both zinnias and gladiolas that have not bloomed. Is there any hope that the plants will flower and bloom? If so, how can I help this to happen?

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

If they are established and monitored for watering needs in this ongoing drought, then yes, the plants will probably recover and bloom in time. (Granted, they need to be protected from future deer browse, either with a barrier like netting or a repellent spray that is replenished as it wears off.) You probably don't need to intervene otherwise, outside of making sure they don't get too dry for too long, though a mild dose of fertilizer might help push things along a little. (Use whatever dilution or application dosage the product label recommends.)

Miri
Thank you so much.

We think that groundhogs might have also had a hand in this!

On Jul 8, 2024, at 10:35 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 6:49 PM EDT

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