trying to understand ...

they were staked in the pot.. and you just stuck it all in the ground ... so the stake is not even in undisturbed soil ???? correct ...

if so.. they are useless ...

what is your soil type... sand.. clay ... etc ...

did you do any root pruning ..

were they root bound in the pot ..

where are you ... zone .. major city???

and how did you plant them??? define the process ...

more info please ...

bottom line.. most 4 foot plants should NOT need a stake.. if properly planted ... hence the questions ...

ken

ps: welcome to GW ....