What is "deadheading"???

[December99]

I saw in Mamu's post she mentioned that she tries to deadhead...what exactly is that???? Is that when you take the blooms off as they are wilting away???? I've never done this and my plants come back great....I thought you didn't want to do that so that they can "live" off of the growth that is "rejuvenating" itself.

 

[Snowwark]

Is that when you take the blooms off as they are wilting away???? I've never done this and my plants come back great...

Deadheading means removing faded flowers during the season December 99. It keeps things looking neat, and can prevent the plants from producing seed which uses up a lot of their energy. Lots of perennials respond to deadheading by producing more flowers over a longer period of time, giving you an extended blooming period.

There are some plants, such as hollyhock and foxglove, that need to set seed to grow in your garden.

 

[gina2000]

I thought it meant partying with the Grateful Dead!

 

[Snowwark]

...well, there's that too........

 

[December99]

Thanks!

 

[Mamu]

December99 I deadhead mainly because I do not like to see the faded, dead flowers on the plants. I also remove all the seed pods from my shrubs and bushes.

Deadheading perennials keep them looking good, but it's a must for annuals. If you want them to bloom from spring to fall.

 

[oldkicker]

Deadheading means removing faded flowers during the season December 99.

Ya know, depending how you read that - we could be too late.....

 

[DixieDreamer]

I assume you mean the Christmas season of 1999?! LOL!


I am ALWAYS too late.

 

[December99]

ROFL...okay another question...

with lillies - I have some black things growing along the "stem" of the plant...I am assuming those are seeds. Can they be grown????

Also, you take off the seed pods Mamu??? I didn't think you could do that...so I've left the ones on my peonies...I guess I can take them off!!! Cool cause they ARE UGLY!!!!