Deadheading

This is the removal of faded flowers in order to encourage more new buds and flowers to grow. Most annuals and perennials will continue to produce healthy flowers throughout the growing season, if deadheaded regularly.

Deadheading should take place weekly, and although it only takes a few minutes you will be suprised how much healthier your garden looks and how many more flowers there are.

Remember you are trying to keep plants looking good by promoting the growth of new buds and flowers, so don't just break off the old flowers, this can damage delicate plants.

Use your 'Deadheads' to prune the dead flower stem back to a new side flower. If there is no flower go just above the next side bud, if neither bud or flower are apparent cut back to the first leaf.

Remember; flower-bud-leaf.

If you want your flowers to create seeds, stop deadheading at the end of the season.

Pinching Out
Your 'Deadheads' can also be used to pinch back your annuals. The reason for doing this is to keep a plant compact and prevent it from getting too tall or leggy.

Pinching out the tips of the plant encourages it to focus on producing side growth, which leads to a bushier plant with more flowers

Picking
You can use your 'Deadheads' to pick flowers regularly, this will encourage more growth. Sweet Peas, Sweet Williams and California Poppys are just a few to benefit from regular picking.