[jaws]

My rhubarb has bolted ie sent up flower spikes.  It was coming on great and we have had several pickings from it then this weekend I noticed the flower head spikes. I have cut them off.
Why does it do this? It doesn't happen every year.
How can I stop it because if I remember correctly the plan dies off after flowering?
Anyy suggestions - thanks.

[DD.]

Mine does it every year.

Just chop them off, the plant won't die.

[amc]

Mine does too - just cut them off and put on the compost heap. Not sure why it does it, mine have had plenty of winter manure. The rhubard crown won't die (v. little will kill rhubarb!). Removing the "flower spike" will allow the rhubarb to use its energy to grow the bit that turns into a tasty crumble and not use the energy to grow seed/flowers which won't go into said crumble.

amc

[jaws]

Thanks for the reassurance. I had cut them off and put onto the compost heap,

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, it seems as if it is a bad year for this, i've seen no end of rhubarb going to seed.

[Rubellite]

Aw, chance 'd be a fine thing. Bought two plants and put them in this year and........very thin limp stalks as a result. I can see new growth. Can I expect anything this year or will I have to wait for next?

[pushrod]

Aw, chance 'd be a fine thing. Bought two plants and put them in this year and........very thin limp stalks as a result. I can see new growth. Can I expect anything this year or will I have to wait for next?

Not advisable to eat in first year - give it a chance to get strong for next year.

[Rubellite]

Not advisable to eat in first year - give it a chance to get strong for next year.

Ok