Picking dead flowers off petunias, also known as deadheading, is done by pinching the dead blooms between your forefinger and thumbnail. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than seeds.
Here's a more detailed look at how to deadhead petunias:
- Locate the Dead or Fading Flowers: Look for flowers that are wilted, brown, or have lost their color.
- Pinch or Cut: Use your forefinger and thumbnail to pinch off the flower stem just below the spent bloom. Alternatively, you can use clean pruning shears or scissors.
- Cut Back to a Node: Ideally, cut or pinch back to a node (where a leaf or new stem emerges) to encourage new growth from that point.
- Remove Seed Pods: Also remove any seed pods that may be forming. These appear as small, swollen areas behind the spent flower. If you let the plant produce seeds, it will put its energy into seed production rather than flowering.
- Regular Deadheading: Deadhead your petunias regularly, ideally every few days or once a week, to keep them blooming prolifically.
Regular deadheading will keep your petunias looking their best and encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
