Deadheading

Deadheading refers to the removal of flowers that are past their prime.


Since the production of flowers is part of a plant’s reproductive process, removing the flowers encourages the plant to produce more flowers, rather than entering the seed-producing reproductive stage.
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Nearly all flowers, including roses and nasturtiums, will produce far more flowers if they are consistently deadheaded from April through June, or even through the end of summer. Some flowers, such as snapdragons, do not respond as well to deadheading. A quick Google search can help you learn more about the specific needs of your flowering plants. Removing spent blooms also eliminates hiding places for garden pests, such as thrips and earwigs.


The best way to deadhead is to clip the stem, using clean, sharp hand clippers, 1/4” above new leaf growth.

Photo of deadheading lavender by Kate Russell

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