[iainbs]

We planted a rhubarb root this year.
In it's first year does it need any particular attention?
Do we leave the leaves and stalks on through the year?
What should we do if the answer to the above is Yes?
Can one eat the fruit(!) in the first year?

[Gemma_25]

I think I read somewhere that you shouldn't harvest from the plant in it's 1st year, so that in subsequent year's to follow the plant is stronger and will produce a better harvest... Could be wrong though??

Have a read through this 

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_1_rhubarb.asp

[Elcie]

Thanks for the link.  I have just sown some rhubarb seeds (which the link doesn't recommend  ) and have tiny little plants.  I know it is going to take years, but I'm patient!

I have sown some asparagus seeds too!

[Gemma_25]

Well if you have time to kill I wouldn't worry 

When we moved into our house last year, the previous owner had already planted a rhubarb, so we were lucky enough to be able to start enjoying it straight away

Although the Chicken's have since scratched it to bits 

I'm sure it will recover, and happy Asparagus growing!  :happy:

[Penfold]

I've inherited a plot with rhubarb on it.... it wasn't something I was planning to grow initially.  There are loads of weeds growing through the rhubarb, if I do cut it all down to the groing (so that I can clear the grass/weeds/nettles) is there any risk of killing the plants off?  

Also I don't know if it's actually this years growth, I got the plot in late May and the stals were quite long then with what appeared to be fully grown leaves.  Can it survive over winter or would it have died back naturally?

[lucywil]

Thanks for the link.  I have just sown some rhubarb seeds (which the link doesn't recommend  ) and have tiny little plants.  I know it is going to take years, but I'm patient!

I have sown some asparagus seeds too!

i have grown both from seed and so far have had great results

[DD.]

The plant will die back over winter, so any stalks will be this year's, although it will be rather tough & adicic by now.

I wouldn't harvest in the first year anyway, let the plant make it's growth. Over winter you can chuck some manure as a mulch over it.

On the technical side, the rhubarb we eat is a vegetable, not a fruit, as it's the plant we're eating. Rhubarb should not be given the opportunity to seed, as this will sap it's strength. Any flower spikes you see in spring should be decapitated!

[tode]

Pen fold: I woulnt try digging wweeds out now: you'll just wound the rhubarb, and you wont get all the weeds.
Dig ou the rhubarb this winter, clean all the weed roots off, dig ground well, with compost, and replant.
If the crowns are very big, you can even divide some to rejuvenate
Good luck

[Elcie]

Thanks for the link.  I have just sown some rhubarb seeds (which the link doesn't recommend  ) and have tiny little plants.  I know it is going to take years, but I'm patient!

I have sown some asparagus seeds too!

i have grown both from seed and so far have had great results

That's cheered me up, thanks Lucywil 

[Penfold]

Pen fold: I woulnt try digging wweeds out now: you'll just wound the rhubarb, and you wont get all the weeds.
Dig ou the rhubarb this winter, clean all the weed roots off, dig ground well, with compost, and replant.
If the crowns are very big, you can even divide some to rejuvenate
Good luck

Thanks for this, I'll add it on the "to do" list.  cheers