Wait until the flower head starts to fade, dry, or turn brown
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors
Follow the flower stem down to the first set of healthy leaves or a strong pair of buds
Cut just above that leaf pair or bud
Remove only the spent flower head and a short section of stem
Avoid cutting into old woody stems unless the plant type tolerates it
Deadhead regularly during the blooming season
Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead flower heads as needed
Dispose of the removed blooms or add them to compost if healthy