Rhubarb dead?

[MojoJojo]

The Rhubarb plant I bought and planted back in October hasn't shown any signs of sprouting yet. I know they disappear during winter, but I've heard some people saying they've had some forced rhubarb already this year, so beginning to think it might be dead.

Not a disaster if it is, I'm not sure I planted in the right spot, and it gives me some space for another squash plant this year. Just means I have to wait a bit longer for rhubarb.

[Nicos]

Hard to say!
I used to think it was impossible to kill- until we moved here!
I've managed to kill off 3 plants- all planted too deeply I think, causing the crown to rot.

Different varieties start off at different times.Do you have a late variety perhaps?

I think it's a matter of wait and see to be honest.
You could have a gentle furtle around to see if the crown is a soggy mess- or still firm. That would give you a good idea.

[VirginVegGrower]

Did it you plant it with the tip of the crown protruding from the soil? Never bury them completely. Which variety is it? It could be a late.
They take a year or two to get established. You shouldn't force it until it's an established crown.

[Corris]

I planted three in December (I was late apparently) one has been up for weeks and has two HUGE stalks, one appeared a couple of weeks ago and has about six drinking straws poking up and the other only came through yesterday.

I thought I'd killed one of three, but turns out they are all still there.

Patience. Gardening, I'm learning, is all about patience.

[stella]

I think where you plant them matters a lot. I planted three in different places and the results are a bit like the story of the three bears. One came up first with a big leaf the next one with a medium stalk and the baby one last with a little weeny stalk and leaf

[Florence Fennel]

I have a rhubarb crown in amongst my perennial flowers. I dig it out every year. It hasn't reappeared yet. I bet it does. There's still a chance it may appear Mojo. Like Corris says, it's all about patience.

[MojoJojo]

Thanks for the tips, I guess I just have to be patient.

I think it's a Victoria, although would have to check the label.
It's possible it's not been getting enough sun yet - one thing I hadn't realised is that over the winter months it's in the shadow from the neighbours house a lot. In summer the sun is high enough for it to get a lot more light. So hopefully just needs a bit more time.

[Potstubsdustbins]

From my little book

'Rhubarb Victoria, a very popular variety although it is the last one to produce its stalks in late spring.'

Theres hope yet a while.

Colin

[VirginVegGrower]

My Victoria rhubarb is only just starting. My Timperley Early is racing ahead. My Glaskins Perpetual has yet to show anything. My newly planted Champagne is doing nothing as yet.
Try some poop round it. Mine have all had lots of muck.

[MojoJojo]

Quick update:

I had about 1minute to check round the garden today, and in that time what looked like a tiny little head of lettuce coming up about 5 inches from where I had put a marker in for the rhubarb. So it's probably alive!

Which is good, should get at least one crumble next year. Although now I'm trying to work out where else to put a squash.

[veggiechicken]

I have about 40 mini Glaskins Perpetual, grown from seed last year. Most of them have a bonsai leaf now. Still some way to go before I eat a crumble!