Here's why:
* Petunias have a slightly bitter taste: This can make them less appealing compared to other, more palatable plants.
* Petunias have fuzzy leaves: This fuzziness can deter some animals from munching on them.
However, if your garden is experiencing a shortage of other food options, deer and rabbits might resort to eating petunias.
Here are some things to consider:
* The specific variety of petunia: Some varieties might be more appealing to deer and rabbits than others.
* The overall availability of food: If there's a lack of other plants in your garden, petunias might become more appealing.
* The size of the deer or rabbit: Larger deer might be more inclined to eat petunias, while smaller rabbits might be deterred by the fuzziness.
To protect your petunias, you can:
* Plant them in areas inaccessible to deer and rabbits: This could be a fenced-in area, a raised garden bed, or a location that's not within their typical grazing range.
* Use deterrents: This can include sprays, netting, or other deterrents designed to discourage deer and rabbits.
* Provide alternative food sources: Planting other, more appealing plants in your garden can divert deer and rabbits away from your petunias.