[like diggingk]

hi i found 3 rhubarbs on my new allotment there only small 4" across tryed to big one up and cut right though the root 
how big would the root be ?
would love to save them 
the plot has not been used for about 15 years
hope someone can help
thanks     

[mumofstig]

The longer they are in one place the bigger the roots will get.

Cut a lump off/dig a lump up that has a growing poin/bud on it and plant it in a new place, with plenty of manure compost of fertiliser. As long as you have a bit of root with a bud, it will grow into a new plant

They may not get big enough to pull and eat the first year after deviding, so you may want to split one root up and leave one where it is just so you can eat some this year, then dig it up and throw it away 

[DD.]

The root can go down a foot or more.

Don't worry too much about splitting the root, this is the standard method of propagation. Rhubarb takes a lot of killing, (although some have managed it), as long as you get a good chunk of root with a crown, it should be a goer.

[DD.]

I think we said the same again!

[mumofstig]

  twice the good advice then   

[like diggingk]

thanks for the advice well do as you say both of you 
but can't keep it were it is as the plot has been divided into two and it's on the border have not met the other new allotment holder yet 
so would like to get my bit first 
thanks again 

[snowdrops]

If you get 3 plants going you can cover each 1 over in turn each year with a tub or something to exclude the light to force them.It makes it sweeter. But each plant needs to rest once forced & not pull any more stems.