Q: This summer, I have planted lots of marigolds in my backyard – both in containers and in a cut flower bed. Is it a good idea to deadhead them as the flowers fade?
A: Marigolds bring a splash of sunshine to a garden with their yellow and orange blooms. Although it's not totally necessary, snipping these flowers off once they've wilted is worth the effort for a number of reasons.
Firstly, deadheading marigolds encourages a continuous display throughout the season, highlights gardening expert Tony O'Neill. This is because it channels the plants' energy into making new blooms. It also stops them from self-sowing, which means that they are less likely to spread uncontrollably around your yard.
As well as this, deadheading marigolds keeps the plants looking their best. Without it, marigolds risk becoming leggy, floppy, and bedraggled-looking, says plant expert Autumn Hilliard-Knapp.
How to deadhead marigolds
The process for deadheading marigolds is super simple and is similar to deadheading coneflowers or zinnias – other summer-flowering favorites. Remember to stay away from the common deadheading mistakes for the best results.
- First, ensure your pruning shears or scissors are sharp and clean, says Tony. 'Sterilizing with rubbing alcohol helps prevent the spread of plant diseases.'
- Then, locate and snip off each expired bloom – it will have lost its vibrant color and the petals will be wilting. 'Make these cuts directly above a healthy set of leaves or buds,' instructs Anna Ohler, the Owner of Bright Lane Gardens nursery. 'Make sure you cut on an angle so water can't collect on the cut stem, which can sometimes lead to infection.'
- The removed blooms can be disposed of in a compost pile, Anna says. If they're dry and crispy, they can also be set aside to collect seeds from.
When to deadhead marigolds
'Continue to deadhead marigolds through the entire blooming season,' says Anna. You can deadhead at any time of the day, Autumn adds.
The trick for tidy-looking plants is to do it often. Autumn points out that some gardeners choose to dedicate part of their weekends to deadheading their marigolds. However, she simply removes the spent blooms anytime she passes by the plants and notices them.
Whether you're growing marigolds in pots in full sun, as companion plants in a vegetable garden, or at the front of a border, deadheading them can reward you with a beautiful display from summer all the way into late fall. Just remember to water them when necessary, too, to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
