It’s not just a fancy gardening term to “deadhead” snapdragons; it’s very important to do so if you want these beautiful flowers to keep blooming all season. For years I’ve grown snapdragons, and I can tell you this simple care task makes a huge difference!
Why You Should Definitely Deadhead Your Snapdragons
Here’s the deal – deadheading is basically giving your snapdragons a tiny haircut by removing the spent or faded flowers. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
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It keeps the flowers coming because if you leave the old flowers on, the snapdragon will use all of its energy to make seeds instead of new flowers. When you cut off the old flowers, you tell the plant, “Hey buddy, keep those flowers coming!”
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Makes Your Garden Look Better: Let’s be real – wilted, brown flowers aren’t exactly what we’re going for in our garden aesthetic. Regular deadheading keeps everything looking fresh and tidy.
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Limits the growth of the plant: If you’re not careful, snapdragons can spread too far on their own. Deadheading helps you keep them exactly where you want them.
How to Deadhead Snapdragons (It’s Super Easy!)
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be a deadheading pro in no time
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Find the Dead Flowers: Look for flowers that are beginning to lose their color or that look down and sad.
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Follow the Stem: Trace that faded flower’s stem down until you see new growth or leaves.
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Make the Cut: Take your clean pruning shears (I swear by sharp ones) and snip just above where you see new growth.
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Repeat: Keep going until you’ve removed all the spent blooms.
When Should You Deadhead?
Timing is everything! Here’s my tried-and-true schedule:
- Regular Maintenance: At least once a week during blooming season
- As-Needed Basis: Remove spent blooms whenever you notice them
- Growing Season Focus: Concentrate on deadheading during summer months
- End of Season: You can stop when fall arrives and temperatures drop
Pro Tips from My Garden to Yours
After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Use Clean Tools: Always clean your pruning shears – this prevents spreading any nasty plant diseases
- Don’t Pull: Cut instead of pulling to avoid damaging the plant
- Check Regularly: Make deadheading part of your regular garden routine
- Be Gentle: These plants can be a bit delicate, so no need to get aggressive!
Other Care Tips for Happy Snapdragons
While we’re talking snapdragon care, here’s what else you need to know:
Watering
- Deep watering once a week
- Extra water during hot spells
- Avoid overwatering (nobody likes root rot!)
Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Morning sun is ideal
- Protection from intense afternoon heat
Soil
- Well-draining soil is a must
- Regular fertilizing during growing season
- Mulch to retain moisture
Winter Care and Beyond
Wondering what to do when winter comes? It depends on where you live:
- Mild Climates: Cut back to a few inches above ground and mulch
- Cold Areas: Since they’re usually grown as annuals, remove after first frost
- Planning Ahead: Consider saving seeds for next year
Common Questions I Get About Deadheading Snapdragons
Q: Will snapdragons bloom without deadheading?
A: Yeah, they’ll bloom, but trust me – you’ll get WAY more flowers if you deadhead regularly.
Q: Can I just pull off the dead flowers?
A: You could, but cutting is better – it’s cleaner and safer for the plant.
Q: How far down should I cut?
A: Just above the nearest set of leaves or new growth point. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it!
Wrapping It Up
So, do you need to deadhead snapdragons? If you want the most blooms and prettiest garden possible, then heck yes! It’s one of those small gardening tasks that gives you big returns. Just a few minutes of snipping here and there will keep your snapdragons blooming their hearts out all season long.
Remember, gardening should be fun, not stressful. Don’t worry if you make a few mistakes along the way – your snapdragons are pretty forgiving plants. Now get out there and give those spent blooms the snip!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
When to Deadhead Snapdragons
The best time to deadhead snapdragons is when the flowers start to fade or wilt.
Regular deadheading throughout the growing season will help to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
It is important to get rid of dead flowers as soon as possible, because letting them go to seed can make the plant less able to make new flowers.
This task should be done at least once a week, or more often if needed based on how fast your snapdragons grow.
If you see that the flowers aren’t blooming as much as they were earlier in the season, that could mean that the snapdragons are dead and need to be thrown away.
At this point, it is time to cut back the entire plant to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
In general, snapdragons bloom in the summer months, and deadheading should be done throughout this period.
As the growing season comes to an end and the weather turns cooler, snapdragons will naturally begin to fade and go dormant, and deadheading will no longer be necessary.
These are my favorite snapdragons to grow:
Looking for more garden inspiration? Check out my guides:
Locate the Flower Stalk:
Follow the stem of the spent flower down to the base of the plant until you find a new growth point or a set of leaves.
Using a sharp pair of pruning shears, cut the stem just above the new growth point or set of leaves.
Be careful not to damage the new growth point.
These pruning shears are perfect for the job:
Repeat the process for any other spent flowers that you find on the plant.
For more tips, check out my guides: