rhubarb when to pull the rhubarb off the plant

[thedrisback]

hi all I'm planing on getting some rhubarb and want to know when you should put the fruit off ??
as i have not cue when you would.
as I'm trying to get some on freecycle and also looking for seeds.
but i would like to grow different verity of them as there are different ones thanks

[HeyWayne]

I'd look for crowns as seeds will take forever.

Crowns planted need to be left alone for the first year - then you can crop from them the following year once the stems are of a decent size.

You don't want to stress the plant when it's getting established.

This is my first real season of rhubarb and I've had two harvests of 5-7 stalks a week so far.

[thedrisback]

I'd look for crowns as seeds will take forever.

Crowns planted need to be left alone for the first year - then you can crop from them the following year once the stems are of a decent size.

You don't want to stress the plant when it's getting established.

This is my first real season of rhubarb and I've had two harvests of 5-7 stalks a week so far.

what do you call decent size for pulling?? thanks

[HeyWayne]

what do you call decent size for pulling?? thanks

Can't comment, I'm a happily married man.

[bobleponge]

Whereas I'm single, and can categorically state that the ideal size for pulling (for me) is between 8 to 10 inches.

[Flummery]

Depends on the variety - I can get 18" no problem. (Don't want to make Wayne feel inadequate though!)

[HeyWayne]

Depends on the variety - I can get 18" no problem. (Don't want to make Wayne feel inadequate though!)

To be honest, I tend to look at the girth rather than length. I thought bob was measuring around.

[Flummery]

Fnar fnar! I think the time to pull rhubarb is when you're starving and fancy a crumble. There's always more along soon!

[thedrisback]

so it don't really matter what size you will them as i would freeze them anyway and as you say they will re grow.

[bobleponge]

Yup, rhubarb will grow again. I have half a dozen crowns, and get loads of the stuff every year.
Rhubarb schnapps is highly recommended by me!!

[Suky]

Yup, rhubarb will grow again. I have half a dozen crowns, and get loads of the stuff every year.
Rhubarb schnapps is highly recommended by me!!

OOH, how do you make that? Made raspberry vodka last year and it is luscious.

[thedrisback]

cool thanks for all you help now i just need to get some

[nerobot]

Should rhubarb be up by now? I think mine night have died over the winter

[thedrisback]

Should rhubarb be up by now? I think mine night have died over the winter

yes it should be by now

[bobleponge]

nerobot, it probably should be, but then I look at your location and think maybe not??
Depending on how harsh a winter you've had up there, it may just be still thinking about it.
Have a look about and see if anyone else's is up, if yours is on a lottie have a look at the other plots, or if its at home, and you know anyone else who is growing it near you, ask them.
You could have a furtle about where it should be, brush the soil back a bit (carefully) and see if the crowns are showing signs of life.

Good luck