[elibump]

We bought a new rhubarb plant earlier this year and all advice says leave it for year 1.  However, its gone beserk, absolutely enormous   .  Do I still leave it or should I cut it as its so large.  Also, if I cut it how can I tell if its ripe  - never grown rhubarb before.

Eli xx

[Carrotcake]

Sorry I can't help, but I'm desperate to grow rhubarb and have failed miserably twice now.

As you've probably got similar conditions to us, can you let me know where you planted it and whether you've done anything special with it?

[DD.]

Leave it - despite its size, which would probably stand a bit of pulling, the stalks could contain an excess of oxalic acid, which is a toxin.

Rhubarb is best pulled in spring/early summer, while the stalks are nice & tender and of a useable size.

You do not cut rhubarb, this can let infections in, you pull it with a slight twisting action.

Here's a video, there's a better one lurking somewhere if I can find it:

p3eh-NA_oTI

[elibump]

Hi Carrotcake

We bought it as a plant from the local SuperU in spring then just put it in a fairly sheltered corner spot with a bit of engrais bio from LeRoy Merlin  and its really been left to its own devices since.

Hope this helps.   We were planning to come to Cognac for the Blues Passions festival but the line-up seems pretty disappointing this year.  How did it go?

Eli xx

[Carrotcake]

Thanks Elibump.

I think my site is too exposed, so will try somewhere more sheltered next year.

The Blues Festival was rockin'! We don't pay to go to the main events, although I was tempted with Duffy last year, but a lot of the bars have free live concerts and there really is something for everyone.

I'd recommend coming just for the atmosphere, free concerts and people watching around the town. It attracts some very interesting characters!

[AndyRVTR]

Does Rhubarb not grow twice a year?

[MoreWhisky]

I always stop pulling mine after the longest day, but this yr is still growing like mad so have taken a 'bit' a couple times. I pull the freshest lookin stalks and not more than a quarter of it. It still tastes divine 

[elibump]

So do I just leave it, stalks 'n' all over winter then?

Eli xx

[DD.]

I know your climate's a bit different, but it should naturally die off over winter & sprout again in spring. That's when you get the best bits!

[elibump]

Thanks DD

Eli xx