[Candide]

Or maybe just a major disappointment.  Put rwo rhubarb plants in over the winter and cultivated the stoicism to wait 2 years before pulling.  No leaves have shown but there's a cluster of brown noses poking through;  been like that for last few months.  Gave them a bit of a prod today and very dry.  Didn't think they'd die of drought on clay soil.
Given them a good guzzle of water which the ground slurped up.
Do you think they've had it or should I pour more water on and hope?

[snowdrops]

How deep did you plant them?

[Candide]

With just the top of the crown visible.  Dug  some bagged horse manure into bottom of hole and a bit more mixed in around the sides

[Subversive_plot]

I've read that rhubarb prefers a well-drained soil with organic matter.  I planted my roots in loamy sand mixed with compost and manure, it retains moisture  but also  drains freely.

Clay soil may possibly retain too much moisture, which could result in rot then browning as you describe. You could try carefully digging up a crown and seeing if there is any sign of life.

I'm a novice at growing rhubarb, just repeating what I did, based on what I read and advice I received.

Good luck!

[Hampshire Hog]

My allotment already had rhubarb planted by a previous tenant. It has survived 10 years despite my benign neglect. My soil is clay too and I have only occasionally added some compost or manure. I would add something which will boost moisture retention and hope they recover.
Good luck HH

[Candide]

Thanks folks.  I shall mulch some more, water and hope

[snowdrops]

I think “benign neglect “ as HH says is the perfect care for rhubarb to be honest. Hopefully yours will take off eventually Candide

[Candide]

Whoopee,  a leaf has appeared on one