How to Deadhead Petunias So They Keep Blooming Until the First Frost

Petunias are a beautiful addition to the summer garden, bringing vibrant color to hanging baskets, beds, containers, and other areas. This low-maintenance annual thrives with little care, but there is one important step that ensures petunias produce blooms from summer until the first frost: deadheading. Removing spent blooms encourages the plant to put more effort into flower production, rather than preparing for dormancy. Here's how and when you should deadhead petunias, as explained by our flower experts.

When to Deadhead Petunias

There is no singular right time to deadhead petunias—you'll know it's time to do so based on the plant's appearance. Deadhead petunia blossoms when they look faded, droopy, and slightly brown around the edges. "Regular deadheading helps keep traditional petunias blooming," says gardening author Angela Judd. "When the flowers fade or begin to wilt, remove the spent blooms and seed pods (it's just below the flower)," she says. Removing the spent blooms and seed pods encourages the plant to produce more flowers instead of seeds. 

How Often to Deadhead Petunias

How often you deadhead petunias will depend somewhat on the variety you're growing and your climate, but plan on deadheading regularly. "Try to do it once or twice a week, especially during peak blooming, to keep the plant looking good and producing more flowers," says Judd. Inspect your petunias and cut off spent blossoms as you see them. 

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Benefits of Deadheading Petunias

As with many other types of annual flowers, deadheading has two purposes: to improve aesthetics by cleaning up faded, unsightly blossoms and to encourage the production of more flowers. "By removing spent blooms, you are allowing the plant to focus its energy on creating more flowers and fresh growth rather than creating seeds," says gardening author and florist Brenna Estrada. You can also extensively deadhead if the plant seems to be tiring. "For plants that may need a rest, removing all blooms can allow the plant a pause to send energy back into its root base, improving overall health and vigor," Estrada adds.

How to Deadhead Petunias

Deadheading is a quick and easy task. To do so, remove the flower and adjoining stem at the base where it connects to the main branch or stalk, says Estrada. You can do so by cutting off the flower and stem with pruners or by simply pinching it with your thumb and forefinger. "If the plant has been in bloom for some time and has become excessive in its trailing, cutting the branches back by up to half, along with removing all spent flowers, should prompt it to create new growth and fullness, as well as more blooms," she adds.