Will Deer Eat Ornamental Cabbage – How To Safeguard Your Stunning

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

You have spent weeks nurturing your garden, only to wake up and find your beautiful purple and white rosettes nibbled down to the soil. It is a heartbreaking sight that many of us in the “Greeny Gardener” community have faced as the temperatures begin to dip.

One question I hear constantly from fellow enthusiasts is, will deer eat ornamental cabbage during the leaner winter months when their usual food sources vanish? If you are worried about your curb appeal turning into a midnight snack, you are in the right place to find a solution.

In this guide, I will share my years of experience dealing with these persistent visitors so you can protect your garden effectively. We will cover why they are attracted to your plants, how to spot the damage early, and the best ways to keep your display intact.

The Definitive Answer: Will Deer Eat Ornamental Cabbage?

To put it simply: yes, they absolutely will. While some gardening catalogs might label these plants as “deer resistant,” that is often a bit of a stretch in the real world of winter foraging and wildlife management.

Ornamental cabbage and its close cousin, ornamental kale, belong to the Brassica oleracea species. This is the same family that includes the delicious broccoli, cauliflower, and edible kale that we enjoy on our dinner tables.

Deer are highly intelligent foragers with a keen sense of smell, and they recognize the nutritional value of these plants. When the first frost hits, many of the wild greens in the forest begin to die back, leaving your garden as a beacon of hope.

If you are wondering will deer eat ornamental cabbage when other food is scarce, the answer is usually a resounding yes. They find the thick, succulent leaves incredibly palatable, especially when the cold weather concentrates the sugars in the foliage.

Why Your Fall Display Is a Five-Star Deer Buffet

Understanding the “why” behind their behavior is the first step in becoming a more successful gardener. Deer are ruminants, meaning they need high-quality forage to keep their complex digestive systems working through the winter.

Ornamental cabbage provides a perfect mix of moisture and carbohydrates. Unlike many other dormant plants in October and November, these brassicas are actively holding vibrant colors and moisture, making them an easy target.

Furthermore, the structure of the plant makes it easy for a deer to grab. The low-growing rosettes are at the perfect height for a quick nibble without the deer having to work too hard or reach into high branches.

I have noticed in my own garden that the white varieties often seem to get hit first, though this can vary by region. Once a deer finds a food source they like, they are likely to return night after night until the plant is gone.

Critical Factors That Determine Will Deer Eat Ornamental Cabbage

Not every garden will experience the same level of grazing. Several environmental factors play a role in whether your specific plants will become a wildlife snack or remain untouched throughout the season.

  • Population Density: If you live in an area with a high deer population and limited natural forest, your garden is at much higher risk.
  • Weather Severity: In mild winters, deer may stick to their natural habitat, but heavy snow cover often drives them into suburban yards for easy meals.
  • Alternative Food Sources: If your neighbors have bird feeders or “deer candy” like hostas, your cabbage might be the second choice on the menu.
  • Plant Maturity: Younger, more tender plants are far more attractive to deer than older, more fibrous specimens that have survived several hard frosts.

It is important to remember that will deer eat ornamental cabbage depends largely on how hungry they are. A starving deer will eat almost anything, including plants that are typically considered toxic or unpalatable.

By assessing these factors in your local area, you can decide how much effort you need to put into protection strategies. If you are in a high-pressure zone, you will need to be proactive rather than reactive.

Identifying Deer Damage vs. Other Garden Pests

Before you blame the deer, it is vital to make sure they are actually the culprits. Other fall pests, like cabbage loopers or slugs, can also cause significant damage to your ornamental brassicas.

READ MORE  When To Start Cabbage Seeds Indoors – For A Healthy Spring Harvest

Deer damage is very distinctive because they lack upper incisors. Instead of a clean, sharp cut like you would see from a rabbit’s teeth, deer damage looks jagged and torn because they have to pull the leaf against their lower teeth.

Look for these tell-tale signs in your flower beds:

  1. Trampled Soil: Large, heart-shaped hoof prints in the mulch around your plants.
  2. Scattered Droppings: Small, dark, oval pellets left near the feeding site.
  3. Height of Damage: Deer can reach much higher than rabbits, so if the tops of your taller kale are missing, it is likely a deer.
  4. Missing Centers: Deer often go for the “heart” of the cabbage rosette first, where the newest and sweetest leaves are growing.

If you see clean, 45-degree angle cuts on the stems, you are likely dealing with rabbits or woodchucks. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right height for your fencing or the right type of repellent.

Effective Physical Barriers to Protect Your Plants

The most reliable way to ensure your garden stays beautiful is to create a physical barrier. While it might not always be the most aesthetic choice, it is the only 100% effective method to stop a hungry herbivore.

For ornamental cabbage, which is relatively low to the ground, you have a few great options. A wire cloche is a fantastic tool that looks quite stylish in a traditional garden setting while keeping the leaves out of reach.

If you have a larger grouping of plants, you might consider bird netting or lightweight plastic garden fencing. These can be draped over the plants, but make sure to secure them so the deer cannot simply push them aside.

For those with a serious deer problem, a perimeter fence is the gold standard. To be truly effective, a deer fence should be at least 7 to 8 feet tall, as these animals are incredible jumpers when motivated by a meal.

Don’t worry—you don’t have to turn your yard into a fortress! Even a temporary 4-foot fence can be enough to discourage them if you use it in combination with other deterrents that mess with their sense of security.

Using Scents and Tastes to Discourage Grazing

If you don’t want to look at fences, repellent sprays are your next best friend. These work by making the plant smell like a predator or taste absolutely terrible to the deer.

Many commercial products use putrified egg solids, garlic, or hot pepper oils. While the smell of the spray can be quite strong when you first apply it, it usually becomes undetectable to humans once it dries on the leaves.

Here are some tips for using repellents effectively:

  • Apply Early: Start spraying as soon as you plant your cabbage to teach the deer early on that these plants are not food.
  • Consistency is Key: You must reapply after heavy rain or snow, as the protective coating will wash away over time.
  • Rotate Products: Deer are smart and can get used to a single scent, so I recommend switching between two different brands every few weeks.
  • Focus on the Underside: Spray both the tops and the bottoms of the leaves for the best coverage against persistent nibblers.

Pro Tip: Many gardeners swear by hanging highly scented soap bars near their plants. While this can work for a short time, the scent fades quickly in the wind, so it is best used as a secondary backup to a good spray.

Companion Planting: Nature’s Defensive Strategy

One of my favorite ways to garden is to let the plants do the work for me. By interplanting your ornamental cabbage with things deer hate, you can create a natural “keep out” zone that protects your display.

Deer have a very sensitive sense of smell, and they generally avoid highly aromatic herbs. Consider surrounding your cabbage rosettes with plants like lavender, sage, or rosemary.

Even though these herbs might be semi-dormant in the fall, their woody stems and lingering scents can be enough to mask the sweet aroma of the cabbage. Alliums, such as ornamental onions or even garlic chives, are also excellent deterrents.

Another trick is to use prickly plants as a border. While ornamental cabbage is soft and inviting, a border of thorny barberry or holly can act as a natural deterrent that deer would rather not push through.

What to Do if Your Cabbage Has Already Been Eaten

If you find that the deer have already had their fill, don’t panic! Depending on the severity of the damage, your ornamental cabbage might actually be able to recover and look decent again.

First, check the central growing point. If the deer only ate the outer leaves but left the center intact, the plant will continue to produce new leaves. Use a pair of clean garden shears to trim away any jagged or brown edges.

READ MORE  When To Plant Cabbage In The Fall – For A Sweet And Crisp Harvest

Give the plant a light feeding with a liquid fertilizer to encourage a flush of new growth. As long as the weather stays cool and the sun is shining, these plants are remarkably resilient and can bounce back within a few weeks.

However, if the deer have eaten the plant down to a bare nub at the soil line, it is likely time to replace it. Use this as an opportunity to try a more deer-resistant variety or to implement your new protection strategies immediately.

Deer-Resistant Alternatives for Winter Interest

If you are tired of the battle and want to try something different next year, there are plenty of stunning alternatives that deer usually ignore. These plants provide that same pop of color without the constant worry.

Hellebores (Lenten Roses) are a personal favorite of mine. They have leathery leaves that deer find unappealing and they bloom in the dead of winter. They are tough, beautiful, and very reliable.

Another great option is Dusty Miller. Its silvery, felt-like foliage is not only beautiful against purple pansies, but the texture is something deer generally avoid. It can often survive well into the first few hard freezes.

Consider these options for a lower-maintenance fall garden:

  • Andromeda (Pieris): An evergreen shrub with beautiful drooping flower clusters.
  • Sweet Alyssum: A low-growing flower that can handle light frosts and has a strong scent.
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells): Many varieties have deep purple or burgundy leaves that mimic the look of cabbage.

Mixing these resistant species with your ornamental cabbage can also help. If a deer takes a bite of a bitter Hellebore first, they might decide the whole garden bed isn’t worth their time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Will Deer Eat Ornamental Cabbage

Do deer prefer ornamental kale or ornamental cabbage?

In my experience, deer don’t distinguish much between the two. Both are members of the Brassica family and offer similar nutritional benefits. However, the flatter leaves of the cabbage might be slightly easier for them to grip than the curly leaves of some kale varieties.

Will motion-activated sprinklers work to keep them away?

Yes, motion-activated devices can be very effective! The sudden burst of water or a bright flashing light startles the deer and triggers their flight instinct. Just be sure to move the device every few days so they don’t get used to the pattern.

Is ornamental cabbage poisonous to deer?

No, it is not poisonous. In fact, it is quite healthy for them. This is why it is so difficult to keep them away. Unlike some toxic evergreens, ornamental cabbage is a safe and delicious snack for most woodland creatures.

Can I use human hair or dryer sheets to deter them?

These are common “garden myths.” While they might work for a day or two due to the unfamiliar scent, deer quickly realize they don’t pose a threat. For long-term success, stick to physical barriers or professional-grade repellents.

Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Fall Garden

Gardening is always a partnership with nature, and sometimes that partnership involves a bit of friendly competition with the local wildlife. While it is true that deer love these plants, you don’t have to give up on your autumn aesthetic.

By using a combination of scent deterrents, physical barriers, and smart plant choices, you can enjoy your ornamental cabbage all the way through the holiday season. Remember, the goal is to make your garden just a little bit more difficult to eat than the one down the street!

Don’t let a few hungry visitors discourage you. These plants are some of the most rewarding additions to a cold-weather landscape, providing color when everything else has turned brown. With a little bit of prep work, your garden will remain the envy of the neighborhood.

Go forth and grow with confidence, knowing you have the tools to keep your plants safe. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts