Hi all. I'm wondering if lupine, cranesbill or lady's mantle will have a second bloom if I cut them back? I cut back my leopard's bane a while back and it bloomed again, but a poor showing. Also, my mint and lemon balm are getting tall and unattractive. I don't let them go to seed, but most new leaves are only at the top. If I cut them back will they grow again with a prettier look about them? Thanks in advance!
blooming issues
I can't say that any of the above will rebloom, but they will look tidier if you cut them back by half or so. Plants that do rebloom rarely put on as good of a showing as the first time around, but I always figure it's better than nothing. As for the mint and lemon balm, you should cut them way back. They will put out more leaves very quickly. I cut mine back (mint and l.balm) about 10 days ago and both look lush again. I try not to let them go to seed. I once had lemon balm growing out of the cushions on my patio furniture.
Chris
Thank you Chris. That's pretty much what I thought, but because I'm new at this I wanted to check. I didn't want to kill anything!
I don't think you'll kill anything by deadheading, the worst that happens is that they won't bloom again. And that's only bad if you were hoping to collect seeds!
Yes, and sometimes I do want seeds. I have allowed a stalk of lupines to seed for each of my plants (different colours), but I didn't cut the rest back. I think I will now though, as they're getting shabby. Do the seed pods need to stay with the plant until fall, or can I remove them earlier and dry them on a windowsill. I have poppy pods still on stocks that bloomed in mid-June, and I'm afraid to take them off in case they're not dry enough. What do you think?
Most seeds need to stay on the plant until they are fully dry. Usually the pods will begin to crack when the seeds are ready. It can be a little tricky to wait long enough for seeds to ripen and picked quick enough so that the plant doesn't drops the seeds, or birds beat you to them. I'm sure someone will give you more accurate info. than I have.
Chris
Thanks. I think I'll post the question on a thread that deals more with that sort of thing. I figured they would need stay on the plant, but thanks for the confirmation.
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