The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: knightquest on July 10, 2011, 01:39:22 am

Title: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: knightquest on July 10, 2011, 01:39:22 am

I have got some rhubarb growing that is in it's first growing season. (Don't know atm when I planted it but it may have been the end of last year or the start of this). Bear with me, i'm tired  :)

The instruction leaflet that I got with the plants said that I shouldn't take any rhubarb in the first year. Is this true? The plants are so vigorous that it seems a shame to waste 'em. If I don't take them, what should I do with them, just let them rot down?

Thanks in advance,

Ian

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: Daisys Mum on July 10, 2011, 08:00:02 am

Mm I have the same problem, family keep muttering about rhubarb crumble and i keep saying "your not supposed to pick it this year" I am sure they think that it's just an excuse.

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: kingnigel on July 10, 2011, 09:49:42 am

same here
kn

ps not massively vigorous but plenty to enjoy 

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: Millwood on July 10, 2011, 12:06:41 pm

It's true I'm afraid! The plant needs the first season or two to get its roots down and established nicely so it can cope in the following seasons with the constant harvest. I'd be inclined just to let it die back naturally.

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: melodrama on July 11, 2011, 01:01:03 pm

Last season was my first season with the rhubarb and I left it all season but then at the end of the season I took everything she had to give and made some delicious chutneys.  This year she heas been more than vigorous and I have already had 2 large crops from her.  I didn't know you were supposed to leave it though.  She seems pretty well established though x

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: llamakevin on July 11, 2011, 08:40:05 pm

I'd imagine as long as you do not overpick, one rhubarb crumble wouldn't do any harm!  :yum:

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: knightquest on July 11, 2011, 10:33:44 pm

Might take a few stalks, they might just break off as I walk past  ;D ;D

Ian

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: doganjo on July 11, 2011, 11:05:01 pm

I think it depends what time of year you plant the stool.  If it's put in towards the back end of the year/late summer, then it has a chance to become established before the following summer and the stalks will be a reasonable size.  If the stalks are less than the width of your thumb don't take them, and let them rot down into the ground.  Rhubarb is greedy and will need feeding - a bucket of well rotted manure on top of the crown at the end of the season, some rich compost every two or three weeks in season, and don't forget to give it a drink every now and then.  If it bolts (flowerheads) take them off and give it a good drink of water.

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: knightquest on July 12, 2011, 12:08:59 pm

These sticks are as thick as half a hand. They're huge so I took a couple today. We'll see what they taste like tonight......

Ian

Title: Re: Rhubarb.......?
Post by: levi_allen on July 12, 2011, 03:28:25 pm

I'm unsure but my neiighbour grew rhubarb last year for the first time and had load and was giving it to the market and us to make pies and thing wiith but it tasted good stilll