[janiejakemum]

Hi

I planted my rhubarb last year probably in the autumn, it now has some stalks that look like they're good to eat, can i eat them or should i leave the plant alone for the first year to make sure its roots are nicely established.

If i can cut it whats the best what of doing it without damaging the crown?

Many thanks

[DD.]

First year crowns should really be left to get established. You'll weaken them if you harvest new.

Rhurbard should not be cut, but the whole stem pulled off with sideways and downwards, twisting action.

There's a video of that lurking somewhere on here.

[janiejakemum]

Thanks, So i literally just leave it alone and presumably at the end of the season the growth will drop off.

[Trillium]

Yes, rhubarb is deciduous and will die off, but the summer growth will feed the plant ready for next year when you can take off a few stalks. You can help the plant along with an old manure mulch and some water this year, and every year. Soon you'll be up to your ears in rhubarb.