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For the longest time, I thought once a flower faded, that was it — game over. But then I learned about deadheading and everything changed. Suddenly, my flowers didn’t just bloom once and call it a day. They kept going — week after week.
If your flowers are blooming less than you’d like or seem to slow down mid-season, this one easy habit can make all the difference. And no, it’s not complicated — it’s basically a fancy name for picking off spent blooms.
Let me show you how I do it the simple way, and why your flowers will thank you for it.
Why Deadheading Works
When a flower fades, the plant’s next instinct is to make seeds. But when you remove that dead bloom, the plant thinks, “Oops — better try again.” And just like that, it sends out more flowers instead of shifting into seed-making mode.
Deadheading keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing and blooming, not finishing its life cycle early.
It also keeps your garden looking tidier — no more brown, shriveled flowers hanging on for dear life.
How I Deadhead My Flowers
You don’t need any fancy tools (though a pair of garden scissors does help). Here’s how I deadhead different types of flowers in my garden:
1. Look for Faded or Dried Blooms
I walk through the garden and look for flowers that are wilting, dried out, or clearly past their prime. If the petals are curled or falling off, it’s ready to go.
2. Pinch or Snip
For softer stems, I just pinch the flower head off with my fingers. For thicker stems or bushier plants like coneflowers or zinnias, I use sharp scissors or pruning snips.
Where to cut — I follow the stem down to the first set of healthy leaves or new buds, and snip just above that point. This encourages new growth right where I want it.
3. Toss the Deadheads in the Compost
I drop all the faded flowers straight into my compost pile. They’ll break down and eventually feed the garden again. Full circle!
Not Every Plant Needs It — But Most Love It
I don’t deadhead everything. Some flowers, like impatiens or coleus, do just fine on their own. Others — like marigolds, petunias, black-eyed Susans, cosmos, and dahlias — bloom longer and stronger when I stay on top of it.
I try to deadhead once or twice a week during the growing season. It’s quick, kind of relaxing, and honestly satisfying to do.
A Quick Habit That Keeps the Blooms Coming
Deadheading isn’t hard, but it makes a huge difference. Since I started doing it regularly, my garden has stayed colorful longer and looked healthier overall.
So if you’ve been wondering why your flowers bloom and then fizzle out, give this a try. Just a few snips here and there can keep the color coming all season long.
