Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) often sends up flowering shoots at this time of the year.

The rhubarb flowers should be removed as soon as they are seen. Hold the flowering-stalk close to the ground, and then pull upwards twisting the stalk. If left, the flower will weaken the root, which will then produce weak thin stalks.

The tendency to bolting depends on:

• the rhubarb variety - Victoria is more prone to flowering than other varieties
• maturity - older plants are more likely to flower than younger ones
• weather - prolonged high temperatures and drought promote flowering
• poor nutrition

To encourage leaf growth and discourage flowering of rhubarb:

• divide the crowns every 4-5 years to keep them young
• water during the harvesting period if in drought conditions
• feed with well rotted manure or fertiliser in early spring and autumn
• do not totally strip the root - always leave 4 or 5 stalks.
• stop pulling stalks after July, to allow the leaves to feed the root
• do not force each crown more than once every two years
• provide an open, sunny site in the vegetable garden

Click the link for an article on cooking rhubarb