Deadheading: A Guide for Gardeners
What is Deadheading?
Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from plants. This is done to improve the plant’s appearance, health, and flowering performance.
Why Deadhead Flowers?
There are many benefits to deadheading flowers, including:
- Improved appearance: Deadheading removes unsightly spent flowers, making plants look neater and more attractive.
- Reduced disease: Dead flowers can harbor bacteria and fungi, which can spread to other parts of the plant. Removing spent flowers helps to prevent disease.
- More flowers: Deadheading encourages plants to produce more flowers by redirecting energy that would have been used to produce seeds.
- Controlled spread: Deadheading prevents plants from spreading their seeds too aggressively. This is especially important for plants that are known to be invasive.
Deadheading Techniques
The best deadheading technique depends on the type of plant.
- Pinching: For plants with soft stems and leaves, you can simply pinch off the spent flowers with your fingers.
- Pruning: For larger plants or plants with woody stems, you can use pruning shears to cut off the spent flowers.
When to Deadhead
It’s best to deadhead flowers as soon as they start to fade. This will help to prevent seed production and encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Which Plants to Deadhead
Most annuals and many perennials benefit from deadheading. Some of the most common plants that should be deadheaded include:
- Annuals: Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, impatiens
- Perennials: Salvia, phlox, delphiniums, Shasta daisies
Which Plants Not to Deadhead
Some plants, such as hollyhocks and foxgloves, should not be deadheaded. This is because they produce flowers on new growth, and deadheading will prevent them from blooming again.
Additional Tips for Deadheading
- Always wear gloves when deadheading to protect your hands from thorns or other sharp plant parts.
- Make clean cuts when pruning to avoid damaging the plant.
- Deadhead regularly throughout the growing season to keep your plants looking their best and producing the most flowers.
How to Deadhead Specific Types of Plants
Annuals
Deadhead annuals regularly to encourage them to produce more flowers throughout the growing season. Cut off the spent flowers at the base of the stem, just above the first set of healthy leaves.
Perennials
Deadhead perennials after they have finished blooming to prevent them from going to seed. Cut off the spent flowers at the base of the stem, just above the first set of healthy leaves. Some perennials, such as salvia and phlox, will bloom again if they are deadheaded after their first flush of flowers.
Shrubs
Deadhead shrubs after they have finished blooming to improve their appearance and prevent them from producing fruit. Cut off the spent flowers at the base of the stem, just above the first set of healthy leaves.
Trees
Deadhead trees after they have finished blooming to improve their appearance and prevent them from producing fruit. Cut off the spent flowers at the base of the stem, just above the first set of healthy leaves.
By following these tips, you can keep your plants looking their best and producing the most flowers all season long.
