Why So Important?
Deadheading might sound like a chore, but trust me—your dahlias will thank you for it! This simple garden task can make all the difference between a few scattered blooms and a flowerbed bursting with vibrant color. If you’re not sold yet, here are five unbeatable reasons why deadheading dahlias is an absolute game-changer.
1. More Blooms, Please!
Deadheading tricks your dahlia into thinking it hasn’t finished its mission: making seeds. Instead of slowing down, it keeps producing flowers in a tireless attempt to “complete the job.” What happens if you don't deadhead at all? Your plant will set seed the first chance it gets and stop producing any more flowers. Job done!
2. A Neater, Prettier Garden!
Let’s face it—faded, shriveled flowers are the gardening equivalent of a messy room, and we really don't want that! By snipping off spent blooms, your dahlias look fresh, tidy, and photo-ready all season long. And don't even think about throwing all those spent flowers under the bed! Take them away or you will be plagued with mildew or other diseases for the rest of the season!
3. Healthier Plants
Spent flowers can attract pests or diseases if left unchecked. By deadheading, you remove potential troublemakers before they even get a chance to crash the party. Think of it this way, you’re not just tidying up; you’re giving your plant its best shot at staying healthy and thriving, which in turn means...more pretty flowers for you—all season long!
4. Control Those Seeds!
When you don’t deadhead, dahlias start channeling their energy into seed production instead of flowering. Unless you’re specifically growing dahlias from seed (and trust me, no one needs THAT many seeds—even if they are specifically growing dahlias from seed), you want that energy focused on producing blooms, not babies! Plus, we have found that tubers grown from deadheaded dahlias tend to be stronger for next season. It’s a win-win!
5. Quality Time in Your Garden
There’s something therapeutic about strolling through your garden, snipping away the spent blooms (make a note not to do this during the hottest part of the day!) It’s an opportunity to connect with your plants, notice new growth, and enjoy a few peaceful moments outdoors. Deadheading is less about work and more about love—your dahlias will reward you for the care you give them.
How To Deadhead Like a Pro
Grab a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruners—we're big fans of the green ones from The Warehouse that look just like scissors with large handles. Locate the spent bloom and follow the stem down to just above the third set of leaves. Snip! That’s it—simple, satisfying, and oh-so-rewarding.
Yes, you’ll lose a few side buds in the process, which can take some getting used to. But trust us—the more you deadhead, the more new shoots your plant will send up. Remember, for every stem you cut, two new shoots will grow in its place, leading to even more flowers.
Be careful not to deadhead too conservatively, though! Leaving too much of the stem can result in top-heavy plants, and no matter how much you stake them, they’ll struggle to stay upright. Worse still, you might need a ladder just to enjoy your blooms! 🌸
Deadheading done right = stronger plants and more fabulous flowers!
Are You a Deadheading Fan?
Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping your dahlias blooming all season? Are you a conservative deadheader or a ladder lover? Share your thoughts and more tips in the comments! Let’s keep the conversation blooming.