pulling rhubarb..too late?

[hamsterqueen]

is it too late to pull a few more sticks of rhubarb? It is a strong well established plant ( about 5 years old now) and there is still a lot of new growth. As it is sprawling over the paths, it would be useful as well as tasty.

it's Timperley Early

[Daisy Jane]

Take Care!

Hi Hamsterqueen
I don't think it is too late to pull a few more stems of rhubarb through July. My Gardening Manual under this time of the year says 'Harvesting Now'....rhubarb BUT elsewhere I have read that you mustn't remove all the stems just the big fat ones to eat and then anything thats dead looking (wilted, brown, dried etc) leaving a good few stems into August. I have been so terribly brutal to my 8 rhubarb plants some years pulling everything they offer and they have continued to give me an abundance of fruit year after year! Now I need more recipes........................LOL!

[weekendwellies]

I pulled some this week for a crumble. So long as it has enough leaves left to return the goodness to the roots to get through the winter I think it is ok.

[rustylady]

Don't see why not, as long as you leave more than you take.

[hamsterqueen]

brilliant, a clear path AND rhubarb sponge, what more could a girl ask for

[Flummery]

Nah, go for it! Just don't pick it to destruction!

You can tell when it shouldn't be picked. The sticks are a bit woody and corky.

[Mac]

Hi...my plant is in its second year and we've been harvesting sparingly....so I read that you have to leave some stalks on the plant I'm guessing to just rot down and put nutrients back in. No problem...except my plant is in quite a windy spot and some of the stalks have just snapped off...should I just leave them next to the plant to rot down, or should I move them?

[hamsterqueen]

bung them in the compost bin,

[toastie]

Most manuals advise to pull upto the end of July. However as our plants are only two years old haven't pulled too many this year but wait until next year ...

[jaimie]

Hi Hamsterqueen

my 8 rhubarb plants some years pulling everything they offer and they have continued to give me an abundance of fruit year after year!
..LOL!

8 (eight) vigorous rhubarb plants !! Do you have a large family? LOL

[lettucegrow!]

Pulled some last night to make rhubarb and fig jam- yummy

[BUFFS]

i pull my last rhubarb in the second or third week in august,then give them plenty of pelleted chicken manure,they just seem to improve each year,now have 14 crowns as i love the sharp flavour,store lots in freezer,still using last years,put it in those oval shaped ice cream tubs,just the right size...