Deadheading is the act of making calculated cuts, removing the dead or faded blooms to keep up a plant’s appearance, prolong bloom time and encourage reblooming. But how and why does it work?
What’s the right way to go about it? It all starts with knowing your flowers.
Although flowers are one of the primary reasons we gardeners care for plants, their biological purpose is reproductive. The primary function of the flowers is completed once the plant is in bloom and seeds have been produced. Many plants cease blooming at that point in order to conserve energy. Removing the old blooms, together with developing seeds tells the plant that it still needs to keep on blooming.
A majority of popular annuals and quite a lot of perennials can be kept in bloom throughout their growing season if they’re regularly deadheaded. Some of the most popular garden plants, including phlox, coneflowers, bleeding heart, Shasta daisies, salvia and sage will offer a second bloom if the faded flowers are timely removed.
Deadheading basics
Simply cutting or pinching off the faded flower from just below its base will keep the plant from entering the seed production stage, which is imperative for increasing the production of flowers. Cutting just below the base of the flower, just above the first leaf growing under it will remove the flower, get rid of the unsightly, exposed stem and enhance the plant’s blooming performance.
Shearing the plants back entirely is a common deadheading maneuver. It’s simple and very effective- Just cut away the plant’s top few inches with pruning shears. It’s advisable you check the plants for any buds in hiding amongst the faded flowers beforehand. If you happen to find any flower buds, make sure your cut just above these branches.
Deadheading can be a time consuming chore – but it doesn’t have to be. Starting late spring, take a little time to deadhead every 2-3 days. There are fewer dead flowers at that time of the year and getting into the habit of deadheading regularly will keep the task manageable, keep your garden pretty, prim and proper every single day.
