[rogertb]

Hi chaps, not too interested in Rhubarb but there was some on the plot when I inherited it, someone said "split it and force it" which I think I've done, there's not a lot happening  (I know it's early), should I leave well alone and if so when should I pick/cut (that's if the woodlice and slugs don't eat it first) !

[DHM]

Yep, just leave it.

[Kleftiwallah]

Forcing rhubarb takes a lot of strength out of the crown.  After you have forced it (if you do), it's best to leave the crown to grow normally untill next year.

Cheers,  Tony.

[Longshanks]

I had some rhubarb yesterday. Lovely. The plant is quite big with no forcing involved.

[lettice]

Will be picking some rhubarb this weekend
Had my plants for a good 25 years and never forced it.any of them.
Just mulch it with home made compost when its died off in Autumn and some fresh toppings over winter and it starts back to life early Feb, ready for picking about now.

[AlaninCarlisle]

The plants in my garden are 48 years old. They date from when we first moved to Cumbria and the crowns or parts of them have followed us around several addresses. The most successful plant I've ever come across. Just a winter mulch of horse-muck or home-made compost and stewed rhubarb with breakfast every morning from March through to August

[goose]

mine looked like that last week.  I threw a bit of soil over the few growing tips just to protect it, and low and behold, today it looks like it has really started to grow with lots of leaves coming.

I didn't hold our much hope at first as everyone elses is SO much bigger than mine, but I think it will be fine.....you will be eating crumble soon!

[jaydig]

Over winter I divided my rhubarb plants into about six clumps.  I would usually force one or two of them, but as they are so newly planted I won't do that this year, just to give them a chance to establish properly.  I shall pick from them, but quite sparingly this time.

[grinling]

If split and replanted, then do not try to force as it will take it out of the plant.  Leave it to grow, but keep an eye out for a stalk with flower head. This happens due to stress and needs to be removed. Try a couple of stalks but leave it for a year. Freezes well

[rogertb]

As ever a stunning response, thank you all, that eases the worrying (it's an age thing) !