How to Deadhead Geraniums

Deadheading your flowering plants means removing blooms as they start to die. Not only does this keep your plants healthy and robust looking by removing unsightly half-dead flowers, it also stops seed production, which in turn encourages the plant to put out more blooms that last longer as it tries against to produce seeds. Deadheading also protects your plants from bacteria and viruses by removing decaying material from the plant as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp shears or scissors

Instructions

1. Inspect your blooming geranium every day or two. Look for blooms that are beginning to wilt and die.

2. Clip the stem of the dying flower as close to the main stem of the plant as possible, using a sharp pair of shears. Make sure you're removing not just the flower petals but the stem it's connected to as well. This keeps seeds from forming and prolongs the flowering vigor of your plant.

3. Repeat as necessary to remove all the wilting flowers. Discard the dead flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have shears handy, use your hands to break off the flower stems instead of cutting them.

• Both potted and in-ground geraniums should be deadheaded to prolong their flowering cycle.

References

• AllExperts
• Home Garden Blog