Seed Formation and Deadheading

• The primary purpose of a flower is to form a seed. Once the flower begins to wilt, seeds begin forming in a pod at the base of the flower structure. The plant begins diverting energy and nutrients away from flower bud formation and instead uses it for making the seeds. Most annuals and many perennials bloom better and live longer when seed formation is stopped prematurely by a process called deadheading.
  
  

Deadheading Tools

• For most herbaceous plants, the only tools you need are your hands. Marigolds, pansies and petunias all require pinching to remove blooms. Plants with sturdy stalks or woody stems, such as roses, are more easily deadheaded with a clean pair of pruning shears. Roses and lilacs both should both be deadheaded with shears. Plants that produce flowers atop stalks or tall stems, such as lilies, spring bulbs and phlox, should also be deadheaded with shears.
  
  

Deadheading Methods

• For herbaceous plants, grasp the stem behind the flower head and just above the first set of leaves between your thumb and forefinger. Pinch the stem until the flower falls off. Cut off the flowers from woody plants within 1/4 inch of a leaf set using the shears. Cut down the entire stalk to deadhead most flowers that form along or atop stalks and tall stems, except for spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Remove only the flower and the swollen portion at the base of the flower where the seeds form. Spring bulbs need their foliage and stalks to remain after flowering to collect nutrients in the bulb for the following year's bloom.
  
  

Deadheading Benefits

• By stopping seed formation, deadheading encourages many plants to go through a second flush of bloom as the plants try again to form viable seed. Not all plants bloom a second time. For example, spring bulbs and heirloom rose varieties only flower once per season. Another benefit is disease and pest control. Dead plant materials provide a breeding ground for many insects, fungi and disease organisms. Dispose of the dead flowers after deadheading so they don't invite pests into the garden bed.