[maxyboo]

I have an old rhubarb plant in my garden which I dug up and moved 4 or 5 years ago not expecting it to survive but it did. We don't eat rhubarb in my house so I was going to give the stalks away this year. However I am not entirely sure how you know it is ready. The stalks are a good 8-10 inches long and 1 inch in width but are only red at the bottom inch or two. I don't recall it ever going particularly red in previous years. Does it sound OK  to pick to you guys? I don't want to see it go to waste again this year but don't want to give it away if it tastes unripe.
Also, is it best to remove the leaves as soon as you cut it? I don't want to poison anyone
Thanks you lovely lot.

[Yorkie]

I just pick stems when I think they're big enough, according to absolutely no measure at all!

I usually chop the leaves off at the plot to save having to carry them home but you could leave them on longer if you wanted.

[Goneterseed]

My leaves go in the compost bin and I cut the other end off and that goes to compst. 1" thick is plenty. The more you pick, the more will grow. Just stop picking by the end of August to allow the plant to build up reserves for the winter.

[3759allen]

no real minimum size, they tend to go a bit woody and split the longer you leave them and the bigger they get.

[maxyboo]

Thanks guys. I have a friend who loves rhubarb and ginger jam but was moaning about not having any rhubarb. I will pull some for her to try.

[SusieB]

As far as I am aware - if rhubarb is ripe, it comes away easily when tugged.  If it doesn't leave a bit longer.

[grendel]

pulled my first Rhubarb today, cooked it up and its still a bit tart this early, but it was getting huge, and needed pulling.
Grendel

[AlaninCarlisle]

I cut the other end off and that goes to compst.

You mean the paler end where it joins the crown? Why cut this off?