I’ve always loved blanket flowers. I mean, what’s not to like?
Blanket flowers are bright, cheerful, and they bloom abundantly. They also don’t have any special care requirements, although occasional trimming every now and then is needed. And with trimming, getting the timing right is one of the most important things.
So, when should you actually cut blanket flowers?
If you are interested in finding the answer, keep reading as I am about to share my top secrets for pruning them properly!
Fall Is The Perfect Time To Give Your Blanket Flowers A Fresh Trim
With fall approaching, many of our garden plants need trimming – and blanket flowers are one of them!
First, you are going to focus on deadheading to keep them thriving. Regularly remove wilted flowers to prevent disease and promote new blooms throughout summer.
Without consistent pruning, blanket flowers tend to have shorter lifespans, so make sure to cut back the plant by about 15 cm every September. This helps them survive the winter and encourages fresh buds for the next year.
Just don’t wait too long – pruning late might cause the plants to struggle through the cold months.
Also read: 7 Irresistible Reasons To Brighten Your Garden With Stunning Blanket Flowers
Top Tips For Trimming Your Blanket Flowers To Perfection
Timing is just the start!
To really nail perfect pruning, it’s all about using the right technique. Here are the tips that helped me turn my blanket flowers into a blooming masterpiece:
• Go light on the shears – trim the plants back by about 15 cm (which is about 6 inches). Don’t go overboard with the cutting, or you might end up with unhappy flowers.
• Water after cutting – whenever you decide to cut your blanket flowers, always water them well after cutting. If you skip this step, your flowers might not be as tough as they used to be.
• Prune for dormancy – if you live in an area with frosty winters, cut back all growth in late fall to help the plant prepare for dormancy. If winters are milder, leave the foliage and trim off any winter-damaged parts in spring.
• Save the seeds – if you want to collect seeds, skip the fall cutback and let the seeds dry out on the plant. I always leave a few blooms untouched for seed-saving, then store them for future planting.
• You can clean up in winter and spring, too – another handy tip is to cut them back to the ground in early spring before any new growth starts popping up. Many gardeners also use this technique to keep their plants tidy and ready for fresh blooms.
With these tips in mind, pruning your blanket flowers will be easy-peasy, and you’ll have them blooming beautifully for many more years to come!
You might also be interested in: 14 Yellow Perennial Flowers That Will Liven Up Your Garden