How to Deadhead Annual Flowers

Deadheading annual flowers keeps them continuously blooming throughout the summer. 

Annual Flowers that Require Deadheading

• Petunia
• Geraniums
• Azalea
• Rhododendron
• Zinnia
• Marigolds
• Hydrangea
• Tulips
• Hyacinth 

Reasons to Deadhead Annual Flowers

Deadheading annual flowers stops them from going into seed production so the plant will direct its energy towards flowering. Flowers should be deadheaded weekly to keep the plants blooming profusely and to maintain their attractive apperarance.

When to Deadhead Annual Flowers

Deadhead annual flowers when the blooms start to turn brown and wither. At the end of the season, allow the spent flowers to stay on the plant. You can collect the seeds produced by the flower or let the plant reseed itself. 

Deadhead Short Stem Annual Flowers

Short stem flowers are easy to grasp so they can simply be pinched off the plant with your fingers. You can also use scissors for deadheading. Cut the stem just below the flower. 

Deadhead Tall Annual Flowers

For tall annual flowers that are on long slender stems, cut at the base of the plant. If the stems are soft, pinch them off with your fingers. 

Deadhead Bushy Annual Flowers

Use hand-held grass shears or small hedge clippers to trim bushy plants with a lot of small flowers. Rather than trying to do sections, trim the whole plant—including the good and spent blooms—all at one time.