Geranium is one of the unique flowering plants that gardeners love. It’s also called cranesbills and produces fragrant foliage and bright flowers. This is also the reason why it’s perfect for garden beds, planters, or pots.
One way to take care of geraniums is to deadhead them. Deadheading is the method of removing spent flowers from the plant to encourage the growth of new flowers. But why should you deadhead geraniums in the first place? If you’re new to this cheerful plant, stick with us to know how to deadhead geraniums and why it is a must.
When to deadhead geraniums?
Although deadheading might seem like a typical task for geraniums, you need to do it correctly. Part of successful deadheading is the right timing. You just don’t deadhead your geraniums anytime you like. So when’s the ideal time?
The best time to deadhead geraniums is as soon as the flowers start to fade and wilt. You need to learn how to deadhead regularly throughout the geranium’s growing season to ensure continuous blooming.
You can tell when the perfect time to deadhead geraniums is by looking at some signs like the following.
- Dying flowers include faded or wilted petals
- Brown or yellowing edges of flowers
- Generally droopy or unhealthy appearance
When you see these signs, you must deadhead the flower to promote the growth of new, healthy blooms.
What are the tools for deadheading geraniums?
You need the right tool when learning how to deadhead geraniums. The use of the wrong tools can lead to inefficient and even ruined geranium. Take a look at this list!
Pruning shears
This tool is useful for deadheading geraniums because they allow for precise cuts and can handle thicker stems. It’s also a more efficient and quick way to deadhead geraniums.
It is important to use sharp, clean pruning shears when deadheading geraniums to minimize plant damage and prevent disease spread. Do not forget to clean the blades of the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution before and after use to prevent the spread of the disease.
Hand pruner
This tool is another good option for deadheading geraniums, especially for smaller stems and flowers. They are easy to handle and can be used with one hand. If your geraniums have thicker stems, we recommend a hand pruner and using it exactly like pruning shears.
Like pruning shears, you must clean the hand pruner before and after use to prevent any diseases from spreading to your plants. A rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution will do.
Thinning scissors
This type of scissor is another option for deadheading geraniums. They are especially useful for removing spent blooms nestled among healthy leaves, as they allow for more delicate and precise cuts.
Although thinning scissors are designed to thin out dense growth by removing some of the stems and foliage, you can also use them to selectively remove spent blooms. This way, you can also thin out the plant to encourage more airflow and light penetration.
How to deadhead geraniums?
Here are the steps on how to deadhead geraniums.
Step 1
Find the dying or spent flowers. Search for wilted or faded blooms that have lost their color or brightness.
Step 2
Cut the stem of each spent flower above a leaf node or set of healthy leaves using your chosen tool, though we recommend pruning shears. The leaf node is the point where a leaf is attached to the stem, and it’s where new growth will come out.
Step 3
If the flower you found is attached to a stem with other leaves or flowers, you need to remove the spent flower and any leaves that are yellowing or dying. This will promote new growth and is essential to the plant’s overall health.
Remember to deadhead regularly throughout the growing season to ensure continuous blooming.
How to take care of deadheaded geraniums after the process?
There are particular measures you need to follow so you can take care of your newly deadheaded geraniums. Here’s how it goes.
Watering and fertilizing
In terms of water, you need to water your geraniums deeply and regularly, especially during summer or dry weather. Also, you can give your plants a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during their growing season to help them produce healthy new growth and blooms.
Protecting from pests and diseases
Check your geraniums regularly for common pests that can affect geraniums like
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
If you notice signs of an infestation, you must apply the appropriate insecticide or pesticide to control it. Additionally, be on the lookout for signs of fungal diseases such as leaf spots or powdery mildew, and treat your geraniums immediately with a fungicide if necessary.
Note that proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent fungal diseases.
By taking good care of your geraniums after deadheading, you can help ensure they continue producing healthy, vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
Deadhead your geraniums the right way!
Learning how to deadhead geraniums isn’t just an ordinary practice of gardeners. It’s a must, especially for geraniums, because it promotes healthy growth and continuous blooming.
To recap, here’s what you need to remember on how to deadhead geraniums.
- Simply pinch or cut off spent flowers just above a healthy set of leaves.
- It’s important to deadhead regularly throughout the growing season, and pruning the plant back by one-third in mid-summer can also promote new growth and a second round of blooming.
- Aftercare for deadheaded geraniums includes proper watering and fertilizing and protecting the plants from pests and diseases.
Do not forget to remember that we made this guide so you can perform deadheading properly.
Proper deadheading is crucial for maintaining healthy geraniums. By removing spent flowers, you encourage the plant to put its energy into producing new growth and blooms rather than into seed production. Deadheading also promotes fuller growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy or top-heavy. By taking the time to deadhead your geraniums regularly and providing proper aftercare, you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy garden all season long.