[JohnB47]

Hi.

I inherited three rhubarb plants from the previous plot owner and after discovering them under a tremendous growth of grass last May/June time I fed and kept them watered and now they're looking very healthy. Some stalks are now 8-10" long and although they will get much bigger (based on how well they grew last year) I'm wondering if I can start pulling a few of them now.

Would there be a downside to this, i.e. would it do the plant harm, would the rhubarb not taste good? It just seems that I will have more than enough when they really get going, even if I start pulling now, so why not?

BTW is there any way to identify rhubarb? I planted two Timperley Early to add to the existing ones but they all seem to be growing at the same rate - does that mean they're all Timperley Early?

Cheers.

[sunshineband]

Pictures would help with ID 

You can pull rhubarb whenever it is big enough, as long as you leave the plant to grow unmolested later in the season

[massa]

i wish my rhubarb was ready now its only about an inch tall even the crown im forcing is only around 4-5inch tall.

[JohnB47]

Pictures would help with ID 

You can pull rhubarb whenever it is big enough, as long as you leave the plant to grow unmolested later in the season

Thanks. Yes I thought it would be OK if I started taking a few at a time now. I will always leave lots on them.

I'll try and take some pictures in a few days time (part time work will interfere). Will repost here if I manage it.

massa - perhaps we are a few degrees warmer down here.

Tata

[mumofstig]

I took a couple of sticks off mine today, just for a taste  Yum it was too.

[lucywil]

i pulled 2 sticks on sunday as they were about a foot long

[The Norfolk Turkey]

Definately a north south divide on the rhubarb front!! Ours (unforced) has only just peeked its head above ground!! Not sure its all that impressed with last nights snow either!! Ours is timperley early. Any other northeners had much growth?

[Aidy]

Picked 10 sticks on Sunday.  made the mixture for rhubarb and ginger crumble, this Sunday pudding.

[Plottered]

just above ground here also but all in the last couple of days so things are looking up. although its freezing cold today so they may go back under for some warmth 

[harry]

Why do you pull rhubarb instead of just cutting it

[Plottered]

when is it best to start feeding rhubarb and what with please?

[Aidy]

when is it best to start feeding rhubarb and what with please?

Autumn/winter before it starts it growth, mulch with well rotted manure, some feed with dried seaweed powder as well.

Why do you pull rhubarb instead of just cutting it

By cutting it you leave the stalk open for infection etc, by pulling it the whole stalk comes up with very little risk, also pulling stimulates growth where as cutting don't.

[mikem]

We have still got loads in the freezers together with lots of other fruit from last year so there is no need to pull this years for a while.  Couldn't pull it now anyway as it is only in the early stages of opening the leaves and they are only a few inches high.  Had some of last years last night and more tonight! 

[plum crumble]

ooh, thanks Aidy, I always wanted to know that  
we inherited 3 crowns on our allotment, and they are standing proud now, so crumble is on the Eaaster menu!! Yum, with ginger. HMMMMMMMMMMMM  

[mumofstig]

so it'll be rhubarb crumble instead of Plum?