All varieties of marigolds are a turnoff for deer because of their strong, pungent scent. However, signet marigolds (pictured) have a lighter citrusy smell and flavor, making them popular for culinary use.

Do marigolds deter deer and rabbits?

Often marigolds, with their slightly bitter, sharp fragrance, are planted to try to keep grazing animals like deer and rabbits out of the yard. While these animals often avoid strong or unknown smells as possible dangers, marigolds do not keep either deer or rabbits out of the garden.

What plants do deer hate the most?

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.