Expert urges gardeners to avoid making crucial mistake to see 'fuller blooms'
You could be deadheading your flowers the wrong way, causing them to grow out 'leggy', rather than filling out.
Gardening enthusiasts looking to achieve fuller, more vibrant blooms are being cautioned by an expert about a common mistake that can hinder their efforts.
Popular TikToker Dawn Parsons (@partytildawn) shared a valuable tip on deadheading petunias that could transform gardens this summer.
In her recent TikTok video, Parsons demonstrateed her favourite deadheading technique, specifically for petunias. “This is my favourite deadheading trick,” she begins, holding a petunia bloom. “
When they are done like this, don’t just pull off the bloom.” Parsons explained that simply removing the spent flowers isn’t enough. Instead, she advised gardeners to reach down to the base of the stem and pinch it back there.
“So you’re taking off this whole thing because that forces them to fill out and not be so leggy,” she explained.
By removing the entire stem, gardeners can encourage their plants to become fuller and more robust.
The common mistake many gardeners make is only pulling off the blooms, which results in the plants becoming longer and thinner over time.
“If you just keep pulling blooms, they just keep getting longer and thinner,” Parsons warns.
This deadheading technique is particularly important for petunias, but it can be applied to other flowering plants as well.
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Proper deadheading not only improves the plant’s appearance but also redirects its energy into producing more blooms rather than sustaining longer, less productive stems.
Parsons’ advice has resonated with many of her followers, who appreciate her straightforward and effective gardening tips.
One commenter expressed gratitude, saying: “This was actually so helpful,” while another admitted: “I usually just pull off the bloom. I’ll definitely try this method.”
Deadheading, the practice of removing spent flowers, is a crucial part of garden maintenance.
It helps prevent plants from going to seed and encourages continuous blooming.
By adopting Parsons’ method, gardeners can enhance the health and appearance of their plants, leading to more abundant and beautiful gardens.
