[Scotch Thistle]

Hi 

I have just read on the GW website that i should make a last picking from rhubarb now, removing any flowers as i do so.
Does this mean i need to remove all the stalks, or just take a last harvest, leaving the plant with leaves to recover before next year?

cheers

[Kleftiwallah]

Just take a 'normal' picking.  Leaving it now will allow the crown to take in sunshine and store it for the winter.  Keep removing the flower stalks, you want the energy in the roots, not making seeds.

Cheers,    Tony.

[Plot74]

As I planted my rhubarb in the back end of last year, as per advice I have not took any stalks off this year allowing the plant to grow and gain strength .
Do I now need to take out the stalks that have grown or just leave to die back.
I have two roots growing one has got stalks about an inch thick the other are only very skinny but with more stalks. Both plants were fed the same but the one with thin stalks was planted in the spring the other last autum.
John

[Trillium]

Just leave the rhubarb to do it's own natural thing. As Klefti says, the leaves will continue to nourish the plant. When hard frosts in fall knock down the leaves completely, then you can clear them away, or do as I do and leave them for protection until next spring. Next year you can probably take a few stalks.

A bit of rotted manure around the base of the plants would be helpful now as well.

[yorkiegal]

I noticed my local hardware shop has rhubarb plants for sale in it's garden dept. Is it the right time to put them in? I haven't got any on my plot at the moment and would love to.

[Trillium]

Any potted plant can be potted at any time since you won't be disturbing roots. So go for it!