Rhubarb

seriously · Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

I have planted rhubarb for the first time this year. I have been told that you should not pull and eat it the first year. Is this right? Should I pull it and put it on the compost heap?
Love to hear from you!!
Seriously

paddy-s · Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Sligo

We planted it last year and let it die back naturally. So just tidy it up later in the year. This year we have had an excellent crop. Stewed with custard.....

Next year when it shows, let the stems grow but if a flower head starts cut if off, this puts the energy back into the usable stems.

Good luck.

medieval knievel · Rowan Tree Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 112

i pulled the stalks in the first year when i realised it was about to start dying back. they were a bit bitter. much sweeter* this year.

* i.e. less bitter. this is rhubarb, after all**.
** i've never tasted forced rhubarb. i hear that's sweet.

seriously · Hazel Tree Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

Thanks lads for the reply. My second posting - it wasnt that scary. Novice gardener so I should have many more questions. I'm great at growing weeds though.