what has happened to my rhubarb ?

[lindyloo]

last year my ussually rampant rhubard dissapeared towards the end of summer.(well before the end of the season) it was in a deep large container, and had done well there, with a top dressing of manure, for 3 years. it had started off well. i had put the blame on the wind and rain, as i live at the top of a high hill. my nieghbor gave me 4 new roots, which i the planted in a feild, and each showed a little bit of growth last year. but there is no sign of them whatsoever this spring, although everyone else's rhubard is showing some degree of growth. the area where i put 3 of the roots, is this year very boggy- it is not ussually, with standing surface water in places. the other spot where i put the other root, is not.

i thought rhubarb was virtually indestructable- have i done the almost impossible, and destroyed my plants??? or is there a disease which is effecting them? is it advisable to dig down and see if i can find them,or am i worrying too soon in the season because i havent seen any sign of life?

i would be grateful for any advice on this. thanks

[Hazel at the Hill]

Where abouts are you? If you add your approx location to your profile it will help us to help you.

I would be incline to leave them for a week or two yet before you investigate - although I've just had the first pickings from the Really Early Crown at the Hill, the crown at the front of the plot has only shown itself in the past few days, so when they come up does depend on variety too.

Oh, and welcome to the Vine.

[Nicos]

Could be crown rot?

You never know- they may just be a bit late this year - as are the daffs!

( and yes-I used to think they were indestructible- until I managed to kill off a few plants last year when I moved them!!!..hmmm- the only ones which survived were the bits I'd given away and the pieces I left in a plastic bag in the garage!!!!)

[binley100]

Our Rhubarb is only just sticking it's nose out the ground now.

[taff]

I managed to kill one a few years ago. Pulled all the rhubarb leaves off from that years growth, a lot of water got into the crown over winter, and frost, and it rotted.
I've just about got one leaf and a bit of shoot coming up from a bit of root left on a stalk last year, so it may too early for your big one.
The little ones sound like they may well have rotted.
The big one may have run out of steam in a container[depends how big it is though], rhubarb roots on a good size plant are massive.

[Glutton4...]

No sign of my freebies I planted last year. It was the wrong time of year, but I was given them, so decided to try. Gave them loads of Horse Poo before planting, and mulched with same. No sign of them this year. My Dad's, which are in a raised bed, are doing well.

[maureensargent]

I'd say don't panic - there is still some life there somewhere, I'm sure