Pinching and Deadheading: Simple Techniques for More Blooms

Keep nonwoody annuals and perennials flowering abundantly with two straightforward techniques: pinching and deadheading.

Pinching for Bushier Growth

Pinching—nipping off growing tips—encourages branching and creates fuller, more compact plants. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch back annuals that tend to get leggy, such as petunias, repeating the process two or three times during the growing season. Perennials that grow rangy, including asters and phlox, benefit from a single pinching in late spring or early summer.

Deadheading for Continuous Blooms

Deadheading simply means removing faded flowers. Use pruners or sharp shears to clip spent blossoms from flowering plants like delphiniums, roses, and sweet peas. This practice keeps plants tidy, encourages repeat blooming, and prevents aggressive reseeders from spreading unwanted seedlings.