How to Deadhead Dahlias for Continuous Blooms

Deadheading dahlias is simple: pinch off spent flowers at the stem tip with your thumbnail. When plants reach 12 inches, cut the main stem tip once to encourage side branches and more blooms — unless you're growing exhibition dahlias, where you want one giant flower per stem.

Keys to success: deadhead regularly, never let soil dry out more than a day, and provide full sun all day. Dahlias thrive in rich, humusy soil and often don't need extra fertilizer. Treat them as annuals if you don't want to dig tubers for winter.