How to Deadhead Marigolds

Deadheading marigolds and other annuals provides several benefits.
Regular deadheading keeps your marigolds in flower and spreading nicely all summer. It also makes the plants look better as the unsightly brown heads are plucked away. Leave seed heads on at the end of the summer to allow the seeds to fully develop for next year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check marigold plants daily or every other day for spent blossoms. You should start this a week or two after planting.

2. Look for flowers that are withered and not just brown and dry. Deadhead any blossom that is done performing. Watch for entire sections of the plant that are withered and dying. Remove anything that is turning brown or not developing properly.

3. Grasp the flower head at the base between your thumb and forefinger.

4. Snap the entire flower head to the right or left and remove form the plant. Do not just remove the flower petals as this will not remove the developing seed head. You must get the entire flower for the deadheading to be productive.

5. Look for signs of insect damage and remove those heads or plants as well. Getting rid of insects early can prevent infestation.

6. Be sure the flowers you are pulling off are truly finished. Marigolds will close a little bit in the evenings and be fully open in the daytime. Do your deadheading in the morning when flowers are full and vibrant.

Tips & Warnings

• Marigolds are generally very hardy pants that survive well in most circumstances. Deadheading will not hurt the plant, so don't worry about beging too gentle. Do be careful not to dislodge the plant itself, especially when the plantings are still fairly new.

[Rocketgirl]

on 6/27/2008 There is a typo in the tip. I would also add to the tips to warn not to actually try to pull the dead blossoms off as you could tear out the whole plant. You sort of said it, but didn't really say HOW the whole plant could be dislodged. You might also add a tip to not let the dead flowers go to seed. If so deadheading could result in dropping seeds that will sprout in unwanted places.