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A sudden urge to grow rhubarb

Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
in Fruit & veg
I've not grown rhubarb before and am keen to have a plant.
Specifically - Fultons Strawberry Surprise.
I did order a plant from T&M a couple of months ago and they've just cancelled my order.
Mr Fothergills are selling them as crowns with delivery in the next few weeks.
It seems an unusual time of year to be selling crowns and was wondering if I should go for them.
Is there any reason I shouldn't?
Thanks

Billericay - Essex

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    I do feel we ought to resist these urges.  
    Rhubarb crumble, yummy, but a moment on the lips forever on the hips!
  • Captain_ChaosCaptain_Chaos Posts: 60
    I had a similar urge a few years back. As a total novice, I wasn't expecting great results. BUT...it's so easy! I literally planted the crown and kept it watered. Lots of lovely rhubarb overt the years. So much that I had to freeze it, make rhubarb gin, even eat some! haha.  Just make sure to pick the stems when ready and more will come. I've even split mine now and shared with a relative.
    Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Go for it @Pete.8   We only started growing Rhubarb last year at the allotment.  Someone gave us a plant in the Summer, but we thought it might be too late to plant it in the ground, so we kept it in its pot, and planted it in the ground in late Autumn.

    I believe you have to wait until they are a couple of years old before cropping heavily/regularly, a bit like Asparagus.  I'm sure the Rhubarb experts on the forum will give more accurate advice.

    Funnily enough, I hate the texture of Rhubarb, but love the taste.  We'll be making Gin with ours, amongst other things.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Possibly the crowns have been held back by keeping them chilled?   I'd go for it.  Love rhubarb ... rhubarb crumble, rhubarb & custard cake, rhubarb gin ... the list goes on ...

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Ok OK! I'm convinced 😁
    Order placed
    mmm I can almost taste rhubarb crumble next spring (but probably a very small crumble)

    As ever thank you all so much for your helpful replies :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    Another vote for growing rhubarb Pete.8 a valuable addition to any veg patch  :) Lovely stuff. Stewed with a handful of Sweet Cicely and some custard mmmmm
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • SophieKSophieK Posts: 244
    I placed an order for 3 rhubarb crowns from Marshalls a few weeks ago but no sign of them yet. Bought them for a dual purpose to go in my tropical flower bed, the leaves are lush, and also because I love rhubarb tart and crumble.
  • Captain_ChaosCaptain_Chaos Posts: 60
    Mrs Chaos recommends a bit of ginger in the rhubarb crumble. All I know is it's fantastic with a splodge of custard.  :wink:
    Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Stop talking about rhubarb crumble! I won't be able to have any until next year at the earliest :)
    I've not had one since I was a child - just hope I still like it!!

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PurpleRosePurpleRose Posts: 538
    I was given a rhubarb crown that had been divided and was otherwise destined for the bin. Having no room to put it in the ground, it is grown in a big, big pot. 

    I have since bought another crown which is on its second year in a pot.

    They are both very happy. They both a well watered and fed and both seem to be very productive so far this year.

    I will be harvesting from the newest crown this year but only a small amount.

    Love, love rhubarb 
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