Should I Deadhead Marigolds?
Deadheading is the practice of removing a plant’s spent flowers. This procedure is said to promote new flower growth. Gardeners debate its utility since plants in nature deal with their own faded blossoms without any assistance. So it’s no surprise you ask, “Should I deadhead marigolds?”. Experts say that deadheading is largely a matter of personal preference for most plants, but with highly modified annuals such as marigolds, it is an essential step to keep the plants blooming. So the answer is a resounding, yes.
Deadheading Marigold Plants
Deadheading marigold plants keeps those cheery flowers coming. Marigolds are annuals and not guaranteed to flower repeatedly. But they can populate your garden beds all summer long simply by regular marigold deadheading. Marigolds, like cosmos and geraniums, bloom the entire growing season if you get busy removing spent marigold flowers. Don’t expect to limit your work deadheading marigold plants to one week or even one month. This is a job you will work at all summer long. Removing spent marigold flowers is a process that should continue as long as the plants are in bloom. If you want to know when to deadhead marigolds, start when you see the first faded blossom and keep on marigold deadheading all summer long.
How to go about Marigold Deadheading
You don’t need training or fancy tools to make a success of removing spent marigold flowers. It’s an easy process you can even do with your fingers. You can use pruners or just pinch off the faded flower heads. Make sure to snip off the flower pods that have started developing behind the flower too. Your marigold garden may look perfect today, but then you’ll see faded blossoms tomorrow. Continue removing the dead and wilted flowers as they appear.
