Pruning Annuals for More Blooms: Expert Advice on Which Flowers to Trim and Which to Preserve

In the world of gardening, deadheading is a simple yet effective practice that can greatly enhance the beauty and health of your plants. This technique involves the removal of old or faded flowers to prevent them from producing seeds.

Deadheading has several benefits. For one, it keeps plants looking neat and prevents disease. By removing spent flowers, you're reducing the potential for pests and diseases to take hold. Additionally, deadheading encourages more flowers right through the summer, helping your annuals like petunias, marigolds, and geraniums to bloom for longer.

When it comes to tulips, which are treated as annuals, the faded flowers should be cut but the foliage left intact to recharge the bulb. For other annual flowers, using sharp scissors or secateurs for tougher stems is recommended. Christopher O'Donoghue, director at Gardens Revived, advises against deadheading plants that provide food or shelter for wildlife, or those with attractive seedheads.

For plants with multiple stems, you can simply pinch or snap off the dead bloom. When cutting, it's important to cut just above the first healthy leaf, bud, or side shoot below the spent flower.

Morris Hankinson, founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, recommends deadheading annuals to keep them flowering for as long as possible. Deadheading can also prompt a second bloom in many flowering plants, making your garden a colourful spectacle for months on end.

There are exceptions to deadheading, such as when you want to collect seed, support pollinators, or enjoy ornamental seedheads in autumn and winter. Some plants like ornamental grasses and those with attractive seedheads, such as nigella and poppies, fall into this category.

When it comes to tools, the Niwaki Garden Snips are rated highly for comfort and precision when deadheading. With these snips, you can make clean, precise cuts that promote healthy growth.

In conclusion, deadheading is a valuable practice for gardeners. Not only does it keep plants looking neat and healthy, but it also extends the flowering season, making your garden a vibrant and beautiful space all year round.