For most common garden varieties, such as the popular Shasta daisy, deadheading is necessary to maximize the flowering display. Deadheading is the practice of removing faded, spent flowers before they develop into seed heads. This simple task signals to the plant that its reproductive cycle is not yet complete, prompting it to invest energy into producing new buds instead of seeds.
Why Deadheading is Necessary for Daisies
A daisy’s biological goal after flowering is to produce seeds. If a spent flower remains on the stem, the plant directs energy toward developing that seed, a process known as “setting seed.” This shift tells the plant that its flowering season is over, slowing or stopping the production of new blooms.
Removing the aging flower head interrupts this cycle, redirecting stored energy into vegetative growth and the initiation of secondary flower buds. This redirection of resources allows the plant to produce continuous flushes of flowers, often extending the bloom period into the late summer and early fall. Removing decaying flowers also improves air circulation and eliminates potential sites for fungal diseases.
Deadheading also prevents unwanted self-seeding, which is common among many perennial daisies, including the Shasta type. If plants drop seed, the resulting seedlings can quickly crowd the planting area, leading to an overcrowded and less vigorous display. Removing brown, wilted flower heads keeps the foliage tidy and highlights the fresh blooms that remain.
Step-by-Step Technique for Deadheading
The process begins by identifying a spent bloom, which shows browning or wilting petals and a darkening of the central yellow disk. Using clean, sharp tools, such as small pruning snips or bypass shears, ensures a clean cut that minimizes damage and reduces the risk of introducing pathogens. Never pull or tear the flower head, as this can damage the stem tissue below.
For daisies with multiple flowers branching from a main stem, the cut should be made just above the nearest healthy leaf set or a visible, outward-facing bud. This technique encourages the plant to quickly develop a new flower from that growth point. If the entire flowering stalk has finished blooming and no new buds are evident, the cut should be made further down.
When the entire flower stem is spent and beginning to turn yellow or brown, trace the stem back to the main crown of the plant. Cutting the entire stalk back to within half an inch of the ground or the basal foliage encourages a complete flush of new growth from the base. This aggressive cut is often necessary after the main flush of blooms to stimulate the strongest rebloom.
Seasonal Timing and Exceptions
Deadheading should begin as soon as the initial flowers fade, typically starting in early summer, and continue regularly throughout the peak growing season. Checking the plants every few days helps stay ahead of the spent blooms before they set seed. Consistent removal of faded flowers is the most reliable way to maintain the plant’s energy focus on flowering.
Stop deadheading in early to mid-fall, approximately four to six weeks before the first expected hard frost. Allowing the final flowers to remain permits them to develop seed, which provides a natural food source for birds during the winter. The remaining spent stalks and foliage provide natural insulation and protection for the plant’s crown during colder weather.
Some daisy varieties, such as the low-growing English daisy (Bellis perennis), may not require individual deadheading. Instead, they can be sheared or mowed lightly to remove all spent blooms at once. If the gardener intends to allow the daisies to naturalize and spread, a small percentage of the last flowers can be left on the plant to scatter seed.