Do Deer Eat Tomatillo Plants?

There are a lot of myths out there about what deer do and do not eat. One common question is: do deer eat tomatillo plants?

Deer don’t eat tomatillo plants in general. Tomatillo plants are categorized as  deer resistant thanks to being in the nightshade family of plants. However, deer will eat anything if they’re hungry enough, including parts of tomatillo plants.

There’s a bit more to learn about deer eating tomatillo plants which we’ll cover in today’s guide.  Read on for more info.

Why Do Deer Eat Tomatillo Plants?

As we covered, deer don’t like to eat plants that have strong odors, and tomatillo plants fall into this category.

Deer will eat the leaves and stems from tomatillo plants if they’re hungry enough and when they’ve got the chance.

But why do they do this?

Well, for one, deer are browsing animals, meaning they’ll eat almost anything they come across if other food sources are running low.

Your tomatillo plants are most susceptible to deer when there are fewer other food choices around for them, and especially when the plants are young and the shoots and leaves are tender.

Are Tomatillo Plants Deer Resistant?

Yes, tomatillo plants are considered fully deer resistant.

Deer are usually turned off by plants in the nightshade family.

That doesn’t mean your tomatillo plants are totally safe from hungry deer, though.

Your tomatillo plants are most susceptible to deer damage when they are young and tender or when other food sources in their area have been depleted.

How Do I Keep Deer From Eating My Tomatillo Plants?

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re protecting tomatillo plants from hungry deer: their habits, your scent, repellent options, and when you plant them.

Deer will eat nearly anything if they’re hungry enough, so your main goal is making your garden as least inviting to deer as possible.

Check out our guide on how to keep deer from eating plants where we cover 25 quick and easy tips for keeping hungry deer out of your garden.

Will My Tomatillo Plants Grow Back After Deer Eat Them?

So a hungry deer snuck in your garden and had a feast on your tomatillo plants.  Will they grow back?

Tomatillo plants are either an annual or perennial depending on which zone you live in, meaning that it either grows year-round if annual (USDA zones 5-9) or will grow back year after year (USDA zones 10-11).

Even if a deer eats the tomatillo plantsdown to the ground, it’ll usually grow back in time with regular watering and care.

Do Deer Eat Tomatillo Plants? Wrapping Things Up

So, do deer eat tomatillo plants?

No, deer do not like tomatillo plants, but deer will eat nearly anything if there are no other options available.

Deer are more attracted to young tomatillo plants because they’re more tender, but will usually stay away from mature tomatillo plants.

Fortunately there are many methods you can use and combine to keep deer away from your tomatillo plants if you need to.

Try a few and see what works best for you.

Have any observations to add to the discussion? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Check our our other helpful wildlife guides while you’re here:

• Do deer eat lettuce?
• Do deer eat cabbage?
• Do deer eat asparagus?
• Do deer eat peas?
• Do deer eat rutabaga?
• Do deer eat pumpkins?
• Do deer eat tomatoes?
• Do deer eat pepper plants?
• Do deer horseradish plants?
• Do deer eat beets?
• Do deer eat green beans?
• Do deer eat sweet potatoes?
• Do deer eat carrots?
• Do deer eat squash?
• Do deer eat jalapeno plants?
• Do deer eat corn?
• Do deer eat radishes?
• Do deer eat zucchini?
• Do deer eat turnips?
• Do deer eat parsnips?