You don't have to remove the spent flowers -- but if you do, it should
include as much as the stem as possible. However, unless you plant to
collect the seed, you may as well, as the production of seed takes energy
from the plant that could be used towards future growth.

As to the difference between a flower bud and seed head, if you gently
squish a flower head between 2 fingers, it will have some give because of
the petals inside. On the other hand, if you squish a seed head, it won't
have as much "give," unless it's before seed production begins. Flower
buds that are about to open are usually longer than seed heads that have
started to form. But to be sure, you can leave them all alone until no more
flowers are produced, and then cut all the stems back as far to the ground
as possible.

Suzy O, Wisconsin, zone 5

"HH" wrote in message
. ..
Should one remove spent daylily seed heads? How does one tell the
difference between a seed head and a flower bud? See
http://www.softadventure.net/gardeningplantID.htm. Your advice would be
most appreciated.

HH