If you've decided to start growing roses, then you'll no doubt have had many neighbors and friends ask if you are deadheading roses that have finished blooming. If you're wondering how and why deadheading roses makes a difference to your blooms, then read on!

Why Does Deadheading Work

The flowers that the plant produces are part of the it's reproductive cycle. Should the blossom become fertilized, the plant begins directing resources to the fruit of this fertilization process, rather than concentrating on trying to produce blossoms for fertilization.

Dead heading, a name for the process of carefully removing dead or dying blooms; encourages the plant to speed up its natural processes. Once the it has been removed, the plant realizes it needs to quickly produce a new one. It directs its attention and resources to that task, and before long, a beautiful new blossom has bloomed to replace the old one.

This process of regeneration helps keep your plant full of flowers all through the summer.

Should I be Dead heading Roses in my Garden?

If your plant only flowers once a year, then you may be tempted to think that it is unnecessary. However, dead heading single blooming plants will help prevent any opportunities for pests, diseases and other problems that these plants are susceptible to.

How to Deadhead Roses

Typically, the stem of the bloom is no thicker than branch it comes from; so, the further back you cut, the thicker the new growth will be, and the bigger the flower will be the following summer. Bigger flowers will take longer to grow, and will require the plant to take in and use up extra resources. This is something you'll need to consider if you plan on having prize winning blooms!

Of course, if you cut too far, you could compromise the entire plant. If you're new to, then the best bet is to start off safe, and increase your pruning gradually as the years go by.

You should not simply pull off dead or dying heads. Use pruners, and cut at a 45 degree angle. When you dead head your roses, you should water your plant in the evening, just to help the plant recover.

Each individual plant will require its own unique pattern of care, although the general routine includes regular watering and feeding, as well as dead heading and pruning. If you have already purchased your plant, then find out online about the specific pruning requirements for your plant, to be sure that it gets the best treatment. If you are yet to buy your plant, use the internet and shop online, to get the crucial information that will allow you to make a great plant purchase.

• Removing the dead heads can dramatically increase the number of blooms on a repeat flowering plant, and proper pruning can ensure that the blooms of next year are always bigger and better than the previous year.