When staking perennial plants, which practice should NOT be done?

• A. wait until plants are fully grown before putting stakes in place
• B. tie loosely with loops of wire or twine
• C. use stakes shorter than the height of the full-grown plant
• D. add ties as the plant stems lengthen

Answer: (A)

Staking is most effective when you install supports early and adjust them as the plant grows. If you wait until the plant is fully grown, the stems will be thicker and more developed, making it harder to insert stakes without damaging the plant and harder to position the supports to prevent flopping. Early staking lets you guide the plant gradually, plus you can use loose ties that won’t girdle the stems and add ties as the stems lengthen to keep the plant upright.

The other practices align with good staking: placing a stake or stakes that will support the eventual height, tying with soft, loosened ties to avoid constricting growth, and adding ties as the plant grows to maintain support.