How Long to Pick Rhubarb?

Posted by TopVeg - June 6th, 2007

Rhubarb is really a spring crop. When the stalks are no longer fat and juicy, but grow as thin stalks, the time has come to give it a rest.

Rhubarb can be pulled all summer if it is growing vigorously, and if at least 25% of the stalks are left on the plant.

The rhubarb plant should be kept weed free, so that it can grow and feed its roots. All damaged and discoloured leaves should be removed with their stalks.

In the autumn, rhubarb appreciates a good covering of well rotted farm yard manure.

Rhubarb: More Than Just Pies

Posted in fruit

7 Comments »

  1. This is very useful as always. I was looking at my rhubarb only yesterday wondering if I should pick anymore rhubarb sticks. Thanks Top Veg.
    Sara from farmingfriends

    Comment by Sara - June 7, 2007 7:33 am

  2. My rhubarb is growing like crazy here in central Kentucky, but it is green. Should it turn red before I cut it, or should I be cutting it now?

    Thanks.

    Comment by Danielle - June 24, 2007 11:23 pm

  3. Hi Danielle
    So good to hear from you in Kentucky!

    There are several varieties of rhubarb, and yours may be a green variety! If the stalks are 30cm long and a couple of cm thick, give it a go & see what it tastes like.

    Rhubarb stalks should be pulled, not cut. Hold the stalk close to the ground, and then pull upwards twisting the stalk.

    Thanks for your question
    TopVeg

    Comment by TopVeg - June 25, 2007 9:50 am

  4. Thanks for your quick response. I’m going to PULL the rhubarb tomorrow and hopefully enjoy a yummy dessert tomorrow night!

    Comment by Danielle - June 26, 2007 12:27 am

  5. Hi Danielle

    Glad you got the message about PULLING the rhubarb!! Hope you tell us what it tasted like.

    Farming Friends have a good recipe at http://www.farmingfriends.com/stewed-rhubarb/

    TopVeg.

    Comment by TopVeg - June 26, 2007 5:54 pm

  6. Just wanted to report that my green Kentucky rhubarb made a delicious crisp! And, even better news, what appear to be thicker, stronger stalks are already growing again.

    Comment by Danielle - July 18, 2007 12:06 am

  7. Hi Danielle
    Your green rhubarb sounds healthy with its thick stalks - here in the UK we have stopped pulling to allow the green leaves to feed the roots.
    Glad it tasted good - how do you make a crisp? That is a new one on me!
    TopVeg

    Comment by TopVeg - July 18, 2007 4:18 am

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