How to Deadhead Flowers: Which Species Need It and When

How to deadhead flowers — which plants respond to deadheading with more blooms, which to leave for birds and wildlife, and the techniques for different flower types.

When to do this

Throughout the growing season, starting when the first blooms begin to fade. The timing trigger is when petals begin to drop or wilt and the center of the flower begins to swell toward seed set. For most annuals and repeat-blooming perennials, deadheading every 7–14 days through the peak growing season keeps plants in continuous bloom. Stop deadheading in late August to early September on most perennials — allowing seeds to set at the end of the season feeds wildlife and allows some self-sowing to replenish plantings naturally.