Deadheading Flowers
Deadheading is the process of removing flowers after they have bloomed and faded. This redirects the plant's energy away from producing seeds and into forming more new blossoms. Deadheading also keeps a plant healthier, especially during dry spells, and improves the overall appearance of the garden.
Most annuals and perennials could use regular deadheading. Fading blossoms from bulbs need to be deadheaded to keep the bulb garden looking neat. Some, like daylilies and impatiens, will usually drop blossoms on their own.
Neatness counts. Remember you are trying to keep the plant looking good by prompting new buds and blooms, so don't just yank off the old blossom. Use a hand pruner to cut back to the base of the stem above a bud or branch; if you don't, you'll just have a bunch of empty stems and no blooms.
If you want your flowers to create seeds, stop deadheading at the end of the season. To gather seed for replanting cut the flowers once they're dead and allow them to dry. Remove the seeds by crumbling the dried flower head onto a plate. Separate out any petals or debris, then put the dried seeds in a labeled envelope.
Use your fingers to pinch or deadhead plants with soft stems. For tougher woody stems, use anvil pruners or scissors. Make a clean cut. A ragged edge looks bad and could invite pests or diseases.
Pinching Back Plants
The only tools you need are two fingers, hence the name. The action is somewhat akin to deadheading, but pinching back achieves a separate purpose. The main reason for pinching back is to keep a plant compact and prevent it from getting too tall or "leggy." Terminal growth at the tips of the branches is reduced, and the plant's energy is refocused on lateral growth, which means a bushier plant with more flowers.
Not all plants benefit from pinching back, and the timing varies by plant. In general, pinch back annuals and perennials when they're 4 inches to 6 inches high. Mums need to be pinched a little earlier for the best results. Do it before flower buds appear; otherwise, you'll have no blooms at all. Asters, zinnias and petunias are some other plants you may want to pinch back.
Herbs and leafy vegetables also need pinching back, but it's not really for looks.
- Fruiting plants and legumes, including tomatoes, green beans, peas, squash, cucumbers and eggplants, should have blossoms — leave them in place. These blossoms are necessary for pollination and production.
- Leafy plants like spinach, kale and lettuce should not be allowed to blossom — if you see blossoms appear, it means the plants have begun to put their energy into producing seed (known as bolting) and not producing foliage.
- Leafy herbs like basil, cilantro, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary and tarragon will lose their flavor when they go to seed. Pinching back herbs keeps the herb's oils (the flavor and aroma) in the leaves.
To prevent bolting, plant bolt-prone greens in cooler weather, and cover them with a light floating row cover if there's an unseasonably warm day. If you see a plant starting to bolt, simply snip off the seed stem before it grows too tall.
If you want to save seeds for next year's garden, let a few plants bolt and go to seed. You can collect dried seeds or pods from greens, herbs and more to replant them, mimicking the plants' reproductive process in the wild.
Disbudding Blooming Plants
Disbudding is a procedure familiar to many dahlia and rose gardeners. The goal is to isolate and enhance immature blooms. The practice also works well with camellias and peonies.
To disbud, remove side (lateral) buds as soon as they appear. Snip or break them off. This focuses energy on the terminal (top) bud. The number of flowers is reduced, but the ones that develop will be much larger. Disbudding also helps direct more energy to root development.
Depending on the size and height of the blooms you produce after disbudding, provide support to keep them from toppling over.
Candling Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
Coniferous evergreens require a variation on the above themes. The procedure, known as candling, is performed to create a denser, fuller plant. Candles are the tender new growth that appears at the tip of many evergreens each growing season. Removing 1/3 to 1/2 of the new growth before the needles open is called "candling." It's usually easy to spot the new growth since it's a much lighter shade of green. When you remove all or part of a candle, new growth should appear.
Candling is labor-intensive and can get sticky, but it allows you to control growth and retain the natural shape. It is also a common practice of bonsai artists to control plant size.
Watch our Garden Basics video: How Do I Transplant or Split A Plant?
Other Tips to Help Your Flower Gardens Thrive
Check out these tips as you care for your morning glories, marigolds, pansies and begonias, as well as other plants in your garden.
- Remove diseased plants. Any plants showing signs of disease can be problematic in your garden. When plants show telltale signs of disease, such as visible signs of rot, it's time to get rid of them.
- Treat any bug issues when they arise. Pests can also spell trouble for your favorite flowers. If aphids or gnats appear, spray your plants with a pesticide to deter them.
- Create a healthy garden. A healthy garden can help your plants thrive and flowers bloom. Enrich your soil regularly by adding new soil or a fresh layer of mulch. Pull weeds as they appear so that they don't compete with your plants. Water your plants regularly — but not too often — to encourage growth. You may also try using raised beds, which allow for proper drainage and can protect your plants from weeds and other pests.
- Stake your plants. Some plants need added support to grow, and staking can provide just the support they need. Vegetable plants, in particular, can benefit from staking, which allows them to grow upright.
How to Keep Flowers Fresh After Cutting
Just because you bring flowers indoors doesn't mean you're done caring for them. Learn how to keep roses alive longer to enjoy their beauty and fragrance for as long as possible.
- Nourish the flowers. Cut flowers still require nutrients, and 3 tablespoons of sugar per quart of water will help extend the life of your flowers.
- Help the flowers absorb water. Just 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid mixed with a gallon of water is recommended by florists.
- Prevent bacteria growth. Consider antibacterial products for your flowers — such as bleach or spirits. A common recipe is 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart of vase water.