Deadheading Daffs?

[Peas'n'Kews]

is there a best way to dead head daffs?

I tend to just grab the dead flower and pull and sometimes I get just the flower and sometimes I get the green swollen thing underneath (seed pod??) too.

Does it make a difference?

[Capsid]

Thinking logically, I'd pull off the ovary (green swollen pod), then the plant won't put it's energy into making seeds, which is the idea behind dead heading.

[Two_Sheds]

Take the whole head off: you want to stop it trying to seed, so the seed pod has to go. It's quite easy if you do a grab-twist-snap, although two hands is easier (one on the stem, one on the head)

* I've just read that back, and it sounds like we're dispatching poultry or something

[Peas'n'Kews]

Thanks guys!

I actually pulled a whole bulb out deadheading using only one hand, so I think the 2 handed suggestion is a dashed fine one! And I will certainly think about poultry as I do it (Thanks TS!)

Not that I'm going to dead head daffs in this weather - its raining and nasty here in Herts (just north of Watford).

[rustylady]

I use a pair of scissors

[roitelet]

I dead head the large daffs but leave the small ones like Tete a Tete and they are seeding themselves all over the place. It doesn't seem to make any difference to the number of flowers I get.

[piskieinboots]

I snap off the ovary (ouch!) in a oner with my fingers

[veggiechicken]

I cut off the complete stem and make a bunch of dead daffs (for the compost - not the vase). I hate seeing a flowerless stalk, standing upright amongst the leaves, seems cruel and unfeeling.....

[Capsid]

I cut off the complete stem and make a bunch of dead daffs (for the compost - not the vase). I hate seeing a flowerless stalk, standing upright amongst the leaves, seems cruel and unfeeling.....

But the leaves are needed to feed the bulb?

[rustylady]

But the leaves are needed to feed the bulb?

Yes, but not necessarily the stem.

[Capsid]

Yes, but not necessarily the stem.

The stem is green isn't it?

[rustylady]

The stem is green isn't it?

Yes, as far as I remember. However the stem is there to support the flower head.

[Two_Sheds]

But the leaves are needed to feed the bulb?

The stem is green isn't it?

The stem doesn't photosynthesise though, so it isn't needed like the leaves are

[Two_Sheds]

I dead head the large daffs but leave the small ones like Tete a Tete and they are seeding themselves all over the place. It doesn't seem to make any difference to the number of flowers I get.

It's a personal choice: Daffodil Care: Daffodil Narcissus or Jonquil Bulbs are Easy Care Low Maintenance Flowers If You Follow These Simple Steps | Suite101.com

I think I might experiment, and just deadhead in alternate years

[veggiechicken]

But the leaves are needed to feed the bulb?

My thanks to Rusty Lady and TwoSheds for sorting this out in my absence