How to Deadhead Petunias

Petunias are great summer annuals to have in your landscape. They offer beautiful blooms that can withstand the Mississippi heat and thrive up until the first cold snap of the winter. Get the most out of your petunias by properly deadheading them! Deadheading the wilted or dead blooms only encourages new blooms to grow and keeps them looking great for several months.

Deadheading is a form of pruning that extends the bloom period, removes the seed source before it becomes weedy, and maintains the overall health of the plant. Many people overlook this gardening chore, therefore limiting the potential growth for their petunias. 

Deadheading is not a complicated task. It simply entails pinching off any dead flowers on your plant. It’s easy enough for children to help with! This can be done by hand, or you can use thumb knifes or scissors. It’s a good idea to deadhead the wilted or dead petunia flowers once a week. Mark it on your calendar so you don’t forget!

Many people only pull off the wilted or dead flower from the plant. By doing this, the seed source is still intact on the plant. Seeds are found below the flower head, so be sure to pinch off the stalk at the base of the stem to remove seeds.

For more information on growing flowers in your landscape, check out Extension Publication 1826, “Annual & Perennial Flowers for Mississippi Gardens.”