Is cilantro deer resistant?

Is Cilantro Deer Resistant?

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb used in many cuisines around the world. It’s a staple in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cooking, and is often used to add flavor to salads, salsas, and other dishes. While cilantro is a versatile and delicious herb, gardeners often wonder if it’s deer-resistant. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with some valuable tips for growing cilantro in a deer-prone area.

Is Cilantro Deer Resistant?

The short answer is: no, cilantro is not deer resistant. Deer, like many other herbivores, love the taste and smell of cilantro, and will often feed on it if they encounter it in the wild. However, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of deer visiting your cilantro patch.

Why Do Deer Like Cilantro?

Deer are attracted to cilantro for several reasons:

• Strong Scent: Cilantro has a strong, pungent scent that is detectable to deer.
• Taste: Deer find cilantro to be a tasty and palatable herb.
• Ease of Access: Cilantro is often grown in containers or in beds that are easily accessible to deer.

How to Make Your Cilantro Deer-Resistant

While you can’t completely eliminate deer from your garden, there are some steps you can take to make your cilantro less appealing to them:

• Plant Companion Herbs: Planting companion herbs like garlic, chives, and rosemary can help deter deer from feeding on your cilantro. Deer tend to dislike the smell and taste of these herbs.
• Use Repellents: Spraying repellents like predator urine, hot pepper spray, or commercial deer repellents can help deter deer from feeding on your cilantro.
• Cover Your Plants: Covering your cilantro plants with a physical barrier, such as a row cover or chicken wire, can prevent deer from accessing them.
• Choose Deer-Resistant Varieties: While there are no truly deer-resistant varieties of cilantro, some cultivars are more resistant to deer feeding than others. Look for varieties that have been bred for their strong flavor or aroma, as these tend to be less appealing to deer.

Growing Cilantro in a Deer-Prone Area

If you live in an area with high deer populations, it can be challenging to grow cilantro without attracting deer. Here are some tips for growing cilantro in a deer-prone area:

• Choose a Location with Limited Deer Access: Plant your cilantro in an area that is difficult for deer to access, such as a raised bed or a container that is placed in a location with limited visibility.
• Use Fencing: Install fencing around your garden or containers to prevent deer from accessing your cilantro.
• Plant in Containers: Planting cilantro in containers can help prevent deer from accessing it, as deer tend to prefer larger areas of vegetation.
• Harvest Regularly: Harvesting your cilantro regularly can help encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from flowering, which can attract deer.

Conclusion

While cilantro is not deer resistant, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of deer visiting your cilantro patch. By planting companion herbs, using repellents, covering your plants, and choosing deer-resistant varieties, you can help protect your cilantro from deer damage. Remember to always harvest your cilantro regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from flowering, which can attract deer.