Question about flowering Rhubarb

[GlenAmple]

My Rhubarb, just like that of a few others, has thrown up a flower stalk. On this stalk along with the flower buds is a few stems of Rhubarb. I'm just wondering if the Rhubarb from here is good to eat or is it best thrown out with the flower and flower stalk?

[Nicos]

I'd chuck it!

Never thought about eating that bit- I'd have thought it'd be tough.

( mind you- I used to peel my rhubarb until I became a Grape- cos I thought you shouldn't eat the skin!)

[GlenAmple]

Thanks Nicos, I'll just do that then, I've got a whopper of a crop anyway

[A Life Less Simple]

I have discovered a very large old rhubarb in my new garden, I wasn't sure what it was at first as it had LOADS of old flower stems and until the leaves came through that was all there was.

I'm not really a big fan of rhubarb but if it is in my garden it is going to be productive - what should I do with it? Will putting some well rotted manure on it help or not?

Also any new ideas for eating it other than crumble?

[zazen999]

Hmm....rhubarb wine.

One of our best from last year. Glug.

[LolaLou]

Zazen - Have you got a link to the recipe you use for your wine please - I've seen so many that I don't know which one will make a good wine - I've got masses of rhubarb but not a wine recipe that I'm confident in investing time in!

[Storm]

i always cut the flowers out. I don't want the plant to be putting energy into flowers and seeds that it could be putting in to tasty stalks!!

Every winter I bury my rhubard with compost, leaves, old dead plants and prunings etc. and each spring it comes up more vigorous than ever!

[Jono]

I read this week that the flower should be whipped off straight away as it affects the long term health of the plant?

[Kristen]

I don't think its as important as some people make it out to be ... mine "bleed" like a stuck-pig when I remove the flowers, and that must divert energy from the plant; Christo Lloyd was never bothered to remove the flower's from his ...

If you have time / energy then remove the flowers ...

... and remove them from your Spuds too, as they will also be consuming energy from them

[Dane End Dolly]

the old guys on our allotment swear by cutting the flower bud off as soon as it appears, they all have nassive healthy crops

[Jono]

And then today I read this:

Flowering Rhubarb? Don’t panic! « Out of my shed

Two differing views lol.