LUPIN RUSSEL STRAIN MIXED

Hi,

I've grown some of these Lupins from seed earlier in the year and potted them in 9cm pots. As I've been having my front garden redesigned and it's nearly ready for planting, the Lupins have been in the pots for about 2 months now. I've managed to get at them today, as I haven't been able to get at them because there was piles of wood in the way. The Lupins are 1 stem, leggy (30cm long approx.) and starting to bud.

I think it will be next week before I can actually plant them out. Because they are leggy, would I be better cutting the stems and forget having flowers this year, so they'll be better next year?

 

I personally would put them into the ground if they are about to flower and would possibly stake them to keep the flower stems upright and strong.That way you will be feeding the bees who in return will pollinate the flowers which will give you more seed ready for a fresh start next year

 

Thanks @Kandy for your reply.

it will be at least next week before I can plant them in the garden if things gets finished by then. Would I be better cutting them down, as they look too leggy to me or just leave them as they are and plant them out & stake them when I'm able to? Am I right to think Lupins come back year after year?

 

I'd plant them out clum and stake them like Kandy's suggested. You may lose them if you cut them back. Leave them to die down naturally later in the season and they'll put in an appearance again next spring.....yes they are perennials.