Split Rhubarb Crown

[chilliking]

Last week i was given a large (old) rhubarb crown. It has been left for the frost to ravage (apparantly a good thing) for a few weeks before a couple of days ago when i split it (with a spade) and planted (in MPC not manure.

I've been told I should avoid picking any stalks this year until the plants are established. Is this correct? I covered them in plastic bells and they're both already producing leaves and stalks.

[chris]

Not sure about a split crown, but with a newly planted one you're not supposed to pick during the first year at least, to let it put down a good root system for the years ahead. The following year, you can pick a bit, but leave some on there for more root / food production, then more and more and more and more and more until you're sick of it

[Two_Sheds]

You're planting something that's been ripped from its home, its food ... it's going to try to throw up stalks but possibly at the expense of putting down a good root system that will sustain it for many years to come.

I would not pick it this year.

It also doesn't need a plastic cloche, just a good watering in

[Dane End Dolly]

We have a split rhubard and we are leaving it for this year to give it a chance to establish itself (thats what the maturer guys on our site tell me to do and I have to say they are not often wrong)

[chilliking]

ok, thanks. so i just don't touch it until next year?

[taff]

nope, don't touch, otherwise someone will come and smack your hands