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Rabbits will eat cilantro in your garden, and they’ll happily munch on it if they can reach it.
Cilantro is actually one of those herbs that rabbits tend to enjoy, so if you’ve been asking “will rabbits eat cilantro in my garden,” the short answer is yes.
The good news is that cilantro isn’t toxic to rabbits, so it won’t harm them if they nibble on it.
The bad news is that once they find it, they may keep coming back for more.
In this post, we’ll look at why rabbits eat cilantro, how to tell if they’ve been snacking on your plants, and what you can do to protect your garden without hurting them.
Let’s dig in.
Why Rabbits Will Eat Cilantro in Your Garden
Rabbits will eat cilantro in your garden for a few simple reasons, and understanding those reasons can help you protect your plants.
1. Cilantro Is Tasty and Safe for Rabbits
Cilantro has a fresh, mild flavor that many rabbits find irresistible.
Unlike some herbs that have strong oils or bitter compounds, cilantro is soft, leafy, and easy to chew.
It’s also non-toxic to rabbits, so they can eat it without getting sick.
That combination of taste and safety makes cilantro a prime target for hungry rabbits.
2. Rabbits Are Natural Foragers
Rabbits are built to graze on leafy greens, and your garden is basically a buffet to them.
They’re always on the lookout for tender, low-growing plants, and cilantro fits that description perfectly.
If rabbits have access to your yard, they’ll sample whatever looks fresh and green.
And once they discover cilantro, they’ll remember where to find it.
3. Cilantro Grows Close to the Ground
Cilantro tends to grow in low, bushy clusters, which makes it easy for rabbits to reach.
They don’t have to stretch or climb to get to it.
This low-growing habit means your cilantro is right at rabbit level, so it’s one of the first plants they’ll nibble on.
If you grow cilantro in a raised bed or a tall pot, it’s much harder for rabbits to eat it.
4. Rabbits Need Variety in Their Diet
Wild rabbits don’t eat just one thing; they need a mix of grasses, leaves, and herbs to stay healthy.
Cilantro adds variety to their diet, and they seem to know it’s good for them.
That’s another reason rabbits will eat cilantro in your garden whenever they get the chance.
They’re not just being naughty; they’re following their natural instincts.
Signs That Rabbits Are Eating Your Cilantro
If you’re not sure whether rabbits are the ones munching on your cilantro, here are a few telltale signs to look for.
1. Cleanly Cut Stems
Rabbits have sharp teeth, and they tend to snip off stems at a neat angle.
If you notice cilantro stems that look like they’ve been clipped with scissors, that’s a strong clue.
Deer tend to tear plants, but rabbits leave clean cuts.
2. Missing Leaves and Tops
Rabbits often eat the tender leaves first and leave the tougher stems behind.
You might see cilantro plants that are stripped bare at the top but still have some stalk left.
This kind of damage is classic rabbit behavior.
3. Droppings Nearby
Rabbit droppings look like small, round pellets, similar to peppercorns.
If you see these near your cilantro patch, you can be pretty sure rabbits are the culprits.
They’re most active at dawn and dusk, so you might also spot them if you look outside early in the morning.
4. Plants Cut Down Overnight
Rabbits can do a lot of damage in a single night.
If your cilantro looks fine one evening and then seems chopped down the next morning, rabbits are likely the reason.
They’re quick eaters and can strip a small patch in just a few hours.
How to Keep Rabbits from Eating Cilantro in Your Garden
You don’t have to choose between having a garden and having rabbits around.
Here are some practical ways to protect your cilantro without harming the rabbits.
1. Use Physical Barriers
The most reliable way to stop rabbits from eating cilantro is to block their access.
A simple fence that’s about two feet high can keep rabbits out, since they usually don’t jump that high.
Make sure the fence goes all the way to the ground, because rabbits can squeeze through small gaps.
You can also cover young cilantro plants with row covers or cloches until they’re bigger.
2. Grow Cilantro in Raised Beds or Pots
Rabbits can’t reach what they can’t get to.
Growing cilantro in raised beds or containers on a patio or deck keeps it out of reach.
Just make sure the pots are tall enough that rabbits can’t climb into them.
This method works especially well if you have a small garden or a balcony.
3. Use Natural Repellents
There are several rabbit repellents you can make at home or buy at a garden center.
Cayenne pepper, garlic, and vinegar sprays can make cilantro less appealing to rabbits.
You’ll need to reapply them after rain or watering, since they wash off.
Just be careful not to spray anything you plan to eat right before harvest.
4. Plant Cilantro Near Things Rabbits Avoid
Rabbits tend to stay away from plants with strong scents, like onions, garlic, and marigolds.
Planting cilantro near these companion plants can help reduce rabbit traffic.
It’s not a guarantee, but it can make your garden less inviting to them.
5. Let Them Have a Little
If you’re not too worried about a small loss, you can plant extra cilantro just for the rabbits.
This way, they get their snack, and you still get some for your kitchen.
It’s a simple compromise that keeps everyone happy.
So, Will Rabbits Eat Cilantro in Your Garden?
Rabbits will eat cilantro in your garden, and they’ll do it happily if they can reach it.
Cilantro is safe, tasty, and easy for them to grab, which makes it a favorite for rabbits.
But with a few simple barriers, raised beds, or repellents, you can protect your plants without hurting the rabbits.
So if you’ve been wondering “will rabbits eat cilantro in my garden,” now you know the answer.
And you also know exactly what to do about it.