Why is Deadheading Important?
Even though a flower may look "done," the plant still spends energy on it—especially if it's starting to form seeds. By removing these spent blooms, you're telling the plant, “Hey! Keep flowering instead!”
- More flowers: Your plant will focus on growing new blooms instead of making seeds.
- Neater appearance: Deadheading keeps your garden looking tidy and fresh.
- Healthier plant: Removing dying parts helps prevent disease and pests.
- Less unwanted spreading: Some plants will drop seeds and grow where you don’t want them. Deadheading stops this from happening.
Example
Let’s say you’re growing marigolds in your flower bed. After a bloom fades and turns brown, gently pinch or cut it off right above the next set of leaves. This tells the marigold to grow new flowers instead of using energy to make seeds.
For roses, wait until a flower looks wilted or dry. Cut the stem back to just above a leaf with five leaflets (usually about 6 inches below the bloom). This encourages the rose bush to grow more beautiful flowers.
Tip for Beginners
Deadheading is easy and doesn’t take long. Try walking around your garden once or twice a week with a small pair of garden scissors—or just your fingers—and snip away those faded blooms. Your plants will thank you with more color and life!
Stay tuned to The Garden Glossary for more easy gardening tips!