Deadheading is a straightforward gardening task where you simply cut off spent blooms. I find it incredibly satisfying as it encourages my lavender to bloom even more beautifully next year.
Deadheading lavender is a simple process, but it makes a significant difference if you’re aiming to grow larger and more fragrant flowers, reports the Express.
Plants often expend too much energy on dying flowers and spreading seeds in the fall when they should be strengthening their roots. Trimming back lavender helps it conserve energy during winter, allowing it to produce more flower stems the following year and setting it up for a spectacular bloom.
Here’s how to quickly deadhead lavender in the fall
First off, you’ll need a pair of sharp garden secateurs to ensure clean cuts and prevent disease.
Next, identify any dried or dying flowers on your lavender plant and snip them just above the foliage.
If you’re uncertain, look for a cluster of healthy green leaves and cut the flowers above them. Be sure to only trim soft decaying foliage; if it feels hard, leave it be.
Avoid cutting any of the woody base at the bottom as this can shock the plant and potentially kill it if too much is removed.
After you’ve finished deadheading, dispose of the cut flowers properly. Leaving them on the ground could attract rodents and spread plant diseases.
That’s really all there is to it. It’s a simple task that I often do while my dog is running around since it only takes a few seconds.
Plus, it helps the lavender recover quickly after winter, leading to an abundance of large violet blooms that will attract bees and butterflies to your garden next year.
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