What's the best time of day to deadhead?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Deadheading in the early morning takes advantage of peak plant hydration, ensuring that stems and leaves are supple enough to make a clean cut. Cooler morning temperatures also reduce stress on plants, allowing them to heal before the larger midday temperatures affect them. My marigolds rebound from a snip way better when I do it in the morning when they are crisp, supple, and healthy, compared to a limp, mid-afternoon cut.
Morning Benefits
- Plants retain overnight moisture for resilient stems
- Cool air slows sap loss from fresh cuts
- Morning light speeds callus formation on cuts
Weather Considerations
- Avoid deadheading during/after rain to prevent fungal entry
- High humidity demands tool sterilization between plants
- Windy days risk tearing stems, postpone delicate work
Rain adds a new variable to deadheading. If petals are waterlogged, removing them may promote mold growth on the stem. I learned this the hard way, losing a peony bed to botrytis fungus after deadheading them post-rainstorm. Now, I try to wait a full 24 hours of dry weather before deadheading, as my goal is to preserve the plant's well-being. If you have to deadhead while damp, blot moisture off your shears after each cut.
Achieve scheduling equilibrium. If mornings prove unworkable, later afternoons can also be part of the schedule for better endurance species like *zinnias*. Avoid as the evening darkens, as moisture overnight can delay any healing. For example, my dahlias were pruned in the evening and ended up with stem rot, while the ones pruned in the morning survived. Slightly adapt your field techniques around the rhythms of your climate to achieve steady results.
Read the full article: How to Deadhead Flowers for Continuous Blooms
