Should I Cut the Flowers Off My Newly Planted Annuals?

Deadheading

• You can deadhead newly planted annuals. Deadheading is the process of pinching off dead or spent blooms. This is done to encourage flowering plants to make new flowers rather than making seed. It also cleans up the plants and makes them look better. For newly transplanted annuals, it will also help the plant use its energy on get better established rather than making seed.

Cut Flowers

• Cutting flowers off newly planted annuals will usually not harm the plant. In fact, annuals that have too many flowers benefit from a little bit of pruning, according to Utah State University Extension. However, do not cut off too much foliage if possible until several weeks after planting. Plants absorb sunlight through their foliage, which in turn they will make into usable energy. Newly planted annuals will use this energy to grow blooms and become established.

Transplanting Tips

• Choose healthy looking annuals when you purchase them. Avoid plants that appear to be leggy, have discolored leaves or show signs of wilting. After you take the plants out of their plant packs or containers, use a knife to cut off or score the bottom of the roots a bit to encourage them to grow. In addition, avoid planting the same kinds of annuals in the same space. It's better to rotate annuals year to year, to reduce disease.

Care Tips

• Don't under- or overwater annuals. Typically, water only after the top 2 inches of the soil is dry. Water annuals with about 1 inch of water so it goes deep, but don't let the water puddle on top. Water them slowly so it soaks in. Also, fertilize annuals about two weeks after you transplant them. Use an all-purpose fertilizer labeled for annuals and apply as much as directed on the label. Continue to deadhead your flowers, but if you want to collect some seeds, let some flowers remain.