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Lupins help with cutting back...

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  • I cut back all 6 lupins of my brand new lupins a few months ago, after they had given a great display - if not a little battered by the avid munchers determined to devour them whole!

    I am a little worried that only one out of the 6 has any new growth on it, the other 5 look dead! Is that normal?  

  • Thank you Verdun, I will keep an eye. They just look dead to me as they are brown! I was going to dig them up yesterday, but will try to find some patience!

  • DarDar Posts: 1

    Hi all. Had lupins for a few years now. This year, for the first time, I used a sharp pocket knife to remove seed pods as they start to form. Cutting gently in downward direction , the pods cut off easily. The lupins continue to flower up the spike but also they produced more flowers on each plant. You do end up with a stem with flowers at the top but I think the extra blooms are with it. All the best. Dar.

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190

    Mine have been in for three years, they are coming out now for replacements.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Forester2Forester2 Posts: 1,477

    I have lots of small lupin plants grown from seed this year.  I have kept them in the wheelbarrow for protection against slugs and snails.  How do I over winter them ready for planting out next year?  I don't have a greenhouse, shed, or conservatory so should I plant them in the ground now? - (with lots of slug pellets).

     

  • TofferToffer Posts: 1

    But what to do with the really thick stems?  Cut them right back?

    Greenfly cluster.  Soap and warm water in a spray seem to do the trick.

  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653

    I've cut my spires back but they always do get mildew and become a little straggly. This year we've also been blessed with Lupin aphids (slightly bigger than the regulars). I've found lambs wool is helpful at deterring the majority of slugs and snails. You can pick them up at Garden centre's!

    Last edited: 20 July 2016 18:20:37

  • My lupins were rather poor this year, being 3 years old can't decide whether to dig them up and replace in spring.  One was invaded with huge lupin aphids which can decimate a plant overnight! 

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