When do you pick Rhubarb ??

[KevinM67]

I was given some rootballs early last year - which I planted straight away, however what grew that year I just left and discarded when the stalks and foilage died off.

This year they have grown well - the stalks though are still mainly green, but the leaves are now yellowing and some are turning brown.

Should I pick it now - or wait to see if the stalks eventually turn a nice pinky red colour

[Nicos]

In a 'normal' year...I would say don't pick it after midsummer's day ( same as asparagus) as the oxalic acid starts to build up.
The yellowing leaves probably indicates that the plant is starting to die back ( or it's lacking in feed) and you may well have missed this years crop.

Not all varieties have red or pink stems. I was given one a while back that stayed completely green but had very tasty stems.

If you are desperate to have a bit of a taste of your rhubarb, perhaps some of the newer, inner stems are edible?

[KevinM67]

Thanks Nicos !!

I've not applied any feed since I planted them - and to be honest, have neglected that part of the plot to concentrate on other areas - so plenty of weeds surrounding them also.

I'll have a look at the weekend to see what I can salvage.

Going forward - is it best to cut them back when the leaves are yellowing or should you just leave them to die naturally ??

[Nicos]

Just leave them to die back.
If they produce a flower stem cut it off otherwise it'll deprive the plant of it's nutrients.

I'd give it a good watering and liquid feed just in case that's what it's needing

[ancee]

Nicos, when is midsummers day?

[rustylady]

Nicos, when is midsummers day?

Ancee, when is Summer?

[veggiechicken]

I think Summer is next year

[Bren In Pots]

I think Summer is next year

I thought we'd had summer the other week, did you blink and miss it

[Nicos]

...well the nights are certainly drawing in....looks like we've missed mid summer already!

* looks at wood burning fire glowing gently...yet again * sigh

[Indigo23]

I think Summer is next year

Fingers crossed!