Sometimes it’s easy to identify spent blooms on deadhead. The petals wilt and start falling off and there’s no doubt that flower needs to go.
But if you miss that stage, which is not uncommon when you have a plant laden with blooms, it can be hard to tell the buds that are about to open from what’s left of the spent flowers.
Turns out, it’s all in the shape. New buds that will still flower are round. Spent flowers have a triangular, pointy shape. In the photo below, the bud yet to open is on the left and the spent flower is on the right.
You can look a little closer to see the differences as well, but the shape should tell you quickly what’s what. After you’ve identified which bits need to go, trace the flower stem all the way back to its intersection to a leaf and use a pruner to clip it off there. That will promote more blooms and avoid unslightly flowerless stems sticking out here and there.
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| Even though this spent bud is still slightly open at the top, its elongated shape is a sure sign that it needs to be removed |
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| A closer look at a round bud show petals waiting to unfurl. |
Of course, if you’re just passing by and you see a spent bloom that needs to go, feel free to nip it off with your fingers. That’s far better than doing nothing and you can come back later to take care of the bare stem.
It’s as simple as that. If it’s a triangle, take it off, if it’s round, let it stay attached to the ground. See what I did there? The good news is that it’s so easy, you don’t need my less-than-catchy rhyming device to remember it.
Now get out there and deadhead some dahlias!
15 Responses
I’m wondering how you keep powdery mildew away from your dahlias? We won’t have a freeze for a couple of months (it’s Oct and I’m zone 9B) but the PM is taking over and making the dahlia season much shorter than I thought it could be.
So Helpful _ thank you!
How far back do I cut? Just below bloom or to an apex ?
Ho soon do I Cut the top growth after the Dahlia start growing . If I missed that time can I still trim it down.
Thanks Erin, you’ve inspired me to grow a few dahlias this year. I even used your early spring potting up method!
Great advise, I grow dahlias in Alberta Canada. We are at the 3200 ft. Level but I still manage to get them blooming
Great info!! I just planted my first Dahlias and I’m trying to learn all I can. I planted 2 types … Bohemian Spartacus dinner plate and Pinelands Princess. Can’t wait to see what they do!!
Thanks so much for all your help. I have always wanted to grow Dahlia’s. Finally have some great help from you . thank you again
This is my first year growing dahlias. I wasn’t sure about deadheading..we will see if I can grow them. Liked your article. Very helpful
Thank your for sharing this beautiful Dahlias . Love your website?????
Thanks, Mabel. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Cool little tip, Erin. I don't grow dahlias. If they're still blooming now, it sounds like I better start. The only thing in bloom in my garden are sedums and "painters palette".
The frost will have my dahlias in no time. I will keep at them until the end.
When deadheadiing dahlias, how far down the stem do you cut?