How To Deadhead Geraniums – The Simple Secret To Keep Your Geraniums Blooming Strong!
Introduction
Geraniums are one of the most popular flowering plants among gardeners, and for good reason. They are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and produce stunning blooms. However, to keep your geraniums blooming strong and looking their best, deadheading is essential. In this article, we will uncover the simple secret to deadheading geraniums and ensuring continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
What is deadheading?
Deadheading refers to the removal of spent or faded blooms from a plant. When you deadhead a geranium, you remove the old flowers, which promotes the growth of new blooms. This process not only keeps your geraniums looking neat and tidy, but it also encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
Why is deadheading important?
Deadheading is important for several reasons. Firstly, it improves the appearance of your geraniums by removing unsightly faded blooms. Secondly, it prevents the plant from wasting energy on producing seeds, allowing it to channel its resources towards producing new flowers. Lastly, regular deadheading helps to prevent diseases and pests from infesting your plants, as dead flowers can attract unwanted visitors.
How to deadhead geraniums
Deadheading geraniums is a simple and straightforward process that can be done throughout the blooming season. Below are the steps to effectively deadhead your geraniums:
1. Identify spent blooms: Look for faded or wilted flowers on your geranium plant. These are the ones that are ready to be deadheaded.
2. Pinch or cut: Using your fingers or a pair of clean, sharp pruners, pinch or cut the stem just above the nearest healthy leaf or foliage. Make sure to remove the entire faded flower head, including any developing seed pods.
3. Dispose of the dead flowers: Place the dead flowers in a compost bin or discard them in your green waste bin. Do not leave them on the ground around your plants as they may attract pests.
4. Check for any remaining faded blooms: After deadheading, take a moment to survey the plant for any missed faded blooms. Be thorough in removing all spent flowers to encourage new growth.
Additional tips for deadheading geraniums
– Deadhead geraniums regularly: Make deadheading a regular part of your gardening routine, especially during the blooming season. Aim to deadhead every 1-2 weeks to keep your geraniums blooming strong.
– Don’t be afraid to prune: If your geranium plant becomes leggy or overgrown, don’t hesitate to prune it. By cutting back the plant, you encourage new growth and a more compact, bushy shape.
– Fertilize after deadheading: After deadheading, give your geraniums a boost by applying a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and continuous blooming.
– Water properly: Geraniums prefer slightly dry conditions, so make sure not to overwater them. Water the plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
My 2 Cents
Deadheading geraniums is a simple yet effective way to keep your plants blooming strong and looking their best. By regularly removing faded blooms, you not only improve the overall appearance of your geraniums but also encourage new growth and extended blooming throughout the season. So take a few minutes every week or two to deadhead your geraniums and enjoy a continuous display of beautiful flowers in your garden!
