Damage to Zinnias - Ask Extension
I plant zinnias every year in a small strip of dirt next to our garage in the alley. They have always thrived in this spot but this year something is ...
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Damage to Zinnias #876531
Asked July 09, 2024, 3:42 PM EDT
I plant zinnias every year in a small strip of dirt next to our garage in the alley. They have always thrived in this spot but this year something is destroying them. The leaves get chewed completely off and the stems are being lopped off. Is this rabbits or could it be some sort of insect? I've applied rabbit repellent (that has previous worked well) multiple times and it doesn't seem to stop the damage.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
It’s probably rabbits. Rabbit repellents usually work as well at using a hot pepper spray. Unfortunately, they both have to be reapplied after a rain and we have had plenty of rain this year.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/zinnia/leavesholesorchewed.html