Deadheading annuals

This is the first year I've planted annuals. I put in a bunch of portulacas.

How often do I need to deadhead and what's the best time of day to do it? I was just out there since the kids were both napping and was getting eaten alive by bugs.

Thanks!

Re: Deadheading annuals

i deadhead as i notice them walking out to the car and whenever- i usually make an effort to go once a week and get them all when there are alot of flowers in season. time of day really doesnt matter - i usually go early in the morning or late at night because that is when i am available

Re: Deadheading annuals

Honestly I am the worst at deadheading. But I mostly do it whever I notice spent blooms, and in the evening around dinner time after DH gets home. Only cause that is when I have the most time and its cooler.

But I've heard that you really don't need to deadhead Portaluca. They will continue to bloom until fall. Of course anything looks better when you take the dead flowers off but it doesn't promote growth with this one.
Also at the end of summer when the plants die down, don't pull them out. Let them die back and in the Spring you may have some reseeding and start to see sprouts!