Omari Gates
Marigolds are flowering annuals that are native to Mexico but have been naturalised in many parts of the world, including Australia. They are popular additions to gardens due to their vibrant colours, association with purity and healing, and ability to deter pests. However, despite their pungent odour, marigolds are susceptible to being eaten by various animals and insects. So, what eats marigolds in Australia?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insects | Grasshoppers, Caterpillars, Aphids, Thrips, Earwigs, Spider Mites |
| Animals | Rabbits, Deer, Chipmunks, Birds (Blackbirds, Robins, Starlings), Snails, Slugs |
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What You'll Learn
Grasshoppers, caterpillars, and rabbits eat marigolds
Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowers that are often used in gardens and as companion plants. However, they are not immune to being eaten by certain creatures. Grasshoppers, caterpillars, and rabbits all eat marigolds, and can be a nuisance to gardeners.
Grasshoppers are a common pest in Australia, and contrary to popular belief, marigolds do not deter them. In fact, planting marigolds may even help grasshoppers breed and succeed. This has led to frustration among gardeners who have followed the advice of well-known authors and garden clubs, only to find their marigolds being devoured by grasshoppers. While some marigolds can be used for natural pest control, they are not effective against grasshoppers.
Caterpillars are another culprit when it comes to marigold damage. Numerous species of caterpillars consume marigolds as their food source. They frequently damage young, fragile plants by making big holes in the leaves, which can be confusing for gardeners as wilting can also be caused by overwatering or underwatering.
Rabbits are also known to eat marigolds. Gardeners have reported finding their marigold plants chewed down to the stems by rabbits. While strong-smelling plants like marigolds are often recommended as deterrents, this method does not always work, and rabbits may still feast on these plants. Fencing is the most sure-fire way to keep rabbits out of a garden.
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Slugs and snails are common marigold pests
Slugs and snails are common pests for marigolds. They tend to chew leaves from their outer edges and may devour a young plant right down to the stem and a few of the tougher leaf mid-ribs. Slugs and snails leave a shiny trail of mucus as they move. They also tend to hide under boards, rocks, and leaves, so it is important to keep your garden clear of such debris.
There are several ways to eliminate slugs and snails. One way is to hand-pick them, which is best done at night or early morning, and must be done regularly to be effective. You can also dig around a damaged plant to find the culprit. If you don't want to kill them, you can collect them in a bucket of leaves and transport them a few miles away.
Another way to get rid of slugs and snails is to erect a barrier such as a 2-foot-wide path of cinders or crushed oyster shells. You can also use sharp sand, wood ashes, or sawdust, but these must be kept dry and replenished frequently. Copper strips, wire screens, and tilted boards with grease on the undersides also work as barriers.
Trapping is another method of controlling slugs and snails. Cups of beer, milk, or yeast dissolved in sugar water will attract and catch them. Put the cup with the rim about half an inch above the soil surface. You will need a lot of these traps, at least one for every square yard. Traps can also be made from cabbage leaves, grapefruit skins, and cut potatoes. These traps don't kill the mollusks but make them easier to collect.
Ducks and chickens are natural predators of slugs and snails and can be used as a form of pest control. Toads, snakes, birds, and ground beetles also kill slugs and snails.
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Birds, especially crows and blackbirds, tear marigolds apart
Marigolds are attractive to a range of animals, including insects, mammals, and birds. While marigolds are often planted to deter pests, they can also be eaten by certain creatures, including birds.
Birds, especially crows and blackbirds, can be attracted to marigolds and may tear the flowers apart in search of food. Peck marks on the flowers and seeds are clear indicators of bird activity, and nests nearby or frequent bird visits can also signal their presence. Birds can eat the seeds and flowers of marigolds, leading to reduced blooms and affecting the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Crows, being intelligent and curious birds, may be drawn to the bright colours and unique shapes of marigolds. They have strong beaks that can easily tear into the flower heads and stems. While crows mostly feed on insects, small animals, and human food waste, they will also eat plant material, including flowers and seeds.
Blackbirds, on the other hand, are known for their love of insects and worms, but they also enjoy feeding on certain plants, including marigolds. They may be attracted to the small, nutritious seeds produced by the flowers. These seeds are an excellent source of energy for blackbirds, especially during the colder months when other food sources are scarce.
To protect marigolds from being torn apart by birds, gardeners can employ various strategies. Covering the plants with netting can physically prevent birds from accessing the flowers while still allowing pollinators to do their work. Hanging shiny, reflective objects near the marigolds can also help deter birds, as they are often startled by sudden movements or unusual objects in their environment.
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Earwigs, spider mites, and aphids are tiny marigold predators
Marigolds are vibrant flowers that can be a beautiful addition to any garden. However, they are susceptible to a variety of pests, including some very tiny predators. Earwigs, spider mites, and aphids are three of these minuscule marigold predators.
Earwigs, or "pincher bugs," are insects that can become a nuisance in your garden. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of substances, including decaying plant matter, dead Japanese beetles, and even other insects like aphids. While they typically congregate under pots during the day, they will eat flowers at night, leaving behind jagged leaves with holes and scattered black excrement pellets. To control earwigs, you can try setting traps with bamboo or garden hose sections, spreading petroleum jelly around plant stems, or creating oil pit traps with soy sauce and olive oil.
Spider mites, part of the arachnid family, are tiny pests that are black or orange and resemble dots. They feed on chlorophyll, sucking out the cell content of leaves. Infestations can cause leaves to turn yellow or red and eventually fall off. To combat spider mites, spray the infested areas, especially the backsides of leaves, with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Aphids, or thrips, are small insects that can be green, yellow, red, brown, or even violet and pink. They feed on the sap of marigold plants, causing stunted growth, distorted leaves, and sometimes black mold. Aphids can reproduce quickly, so it's important to control them as soon as they are spotted. Spraying them with water from a hose or using insecticidal soap or horticultural oils can be effective. Encouraging natural predators of aphids, such as ladybirds, hoverflies, or lacewings, can also help manage their populations.
While these three tiny pests may pose a threat to your marigolds, there are ways to control and manage their presence. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can protect your marigold plants and enjoy their beauty without falling prey to these minuscule predators.
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Deer, squirrels, and chipmunks also eat marigolds
Marigolds are a tough, pungent-smelling flower often used as a natural repellent for unwanted garden visitors. However, deer, squirrels, and chipmunks also eat marigolds and are attracted to the gardens where they are planted.
Squirrels are a common source of frustration for gardeners, as they are known to damage plants, dig up bulbs, and raid bird feeders. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available to them. Marigolds are meant to deter squirrels due to their strong scent, but they are not always effective. Squirrels may become accustomed to the scent of a predator, for example, and some species, such as grey squirrels, are particularly prevalent in urban areas.
Chipmunks are another pest that can cause damage to gardens and homes. They are small rodents with a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food. Marigolds are recommended by some gardening experts to deter chipmunks due to their pungent scent, but chipmunks will still eat marigolds if given the chance.
Deer are also known to eat marigolds, despite some sources claiming otherwise. They are attracted to the plant and will eat the flowers and leaves.
To prevent these animals from eating marigolds, gardeners can try planting other flowers known to repel these pests, such as daffodils, alliums, and nasturtiums, or herbs like mint and rosemary.
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Frequently asked questions
Grasshoppers, slugs, snails, rabbits, and deer are known to eat marigolds. Starlings (blackbirds) and crows have also been known to tear the flowers apart.
To control grasshoppers, you can use your grandad’s organic grasshopper control based on molasses. To control slugs and snails, you can pick them off by hand at night with a flashlight and drown them in a bucket of soapy water. To prevent rabbits and deer from eating your marigolds, you can build a fence around your garden.
Aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and thrips are insects that eat marigolds. To control these pests, you can spray your plants with water, rubbing alcohol, or an insecticidal soap or oil solution.
