What are some considerations to keep in mind when deadheading Petunias?
How to Deadhead Petunias
The first step in gardening with Petunias is to know the actual process of deadheading. To deadhead Petunias, you use a pair of sharp pruning shears. At a forty-five degree slant you cut off the bloom and one inch of the stem just below the bloom. Yes, it really is that simple.
When to Deadhead Petunias
Now that you know how to deadhead Petunias, it is important to know when to do this gardening phase. In the late summer, you will notice that just under the flower blooms seeds are starting to form. If you just remove the blooms, the seed area is still on the plant. You can deadhead the plants and collect the seeds for next year. But you have to wait until the seeds are fully mature to do the collection or they won’t grow later on.
Function of Deadheading Petunias
The function of deadheading Petunias is to keep them blooming. You can make cut flower arrangements and potpourri out of the blooms. Also, deadheading your Petunias will make the plants healthier and grow larger for you. Initially, you might feel like you’re being cruel to the plants. You’re actually doing them a favor.
How Dense to Deadhead Petunias
The trick is how much do you do on the plant. In the spring months, you can deadhead Petunias all spring long. You want the flowers to bloom a great deal and grow a lot.
In the summer, you’re going to want some of the seed for next year. This is particularly so if you have a good set of mother Petunias plants to collect seed. Toward the middle of the summer only deadhead about one-fourth of the blooms on the Petunias if you want a lot of seed. If you’re going to go for just a few seed, then deadhead about 75 percent of the Petunia blooms.
Summing It Up
Deadheading Petunias actually helps the plants to grow stronger, fuller and yield more blooms for you to have during the entire blooming season. The trick is to remove the stem just under the blooms to completely deadhead your Petunias. If you want seed, leave some Petunias without deadheading and collect the seed when they are mature.
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By: Joyce Priddy
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