Remove flowers from your annuals and perennials to promote new flower growth.
WHY should I deadhead flowers?
First and foremost, deadheading will promote new flower buds and prevent flowers from setting seed. All things in nature have a built in desire to reproduce offspring. Flower plants are no exception. Inside of the flower is where the seeds are produced to create the next generation of plants. Once they have been produced, the plant has satisfied its need to reproduce. At that time, flower production stops. Sometimes the life cycle is complete, and the plant dies. But by deadheading the blooms, you trick the plant into believing that its reproductive task is not yet accomplished. Often the plant will then produce another series of flowers.
The second reason is to make your plant look better and overall spruce up the appearance of your flower bed. Many gardeners will take this as an opportunity to trim and reshape the plant into an attractive shape.
WHEN should I deadhead my flowers?
It is usually best to remove spent bloom as soon as the flower begins to fade or die.
HOW do I deadhead my flowers?
Most plants can be deadheaded by simply pinching off the dead flower with your fingertips. For perennial flowers, you should remove the dead flower (even though another may not produce within the same season) by hand. Once the foliage has wilted/browned, the stems can be removed.
If you lack the time and knowledge to care for your flowers, contact us at 484-300-4290 for a seasonal property maintenance visit. We can improve plant health and vigor through grooming and proactive care.