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rhubarb
Harry9
Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
I planted two rhubarb crowns this year and both have produced thick healthy stocks.
I realise you are advised to leave them for two years but what do you do let the fruit rot or pick and dispose of it?
Harry
0
Posts
Hi Harry
You leave the plant alone - as the autumn comes the leaves and stalks will die back and the energy will be reabsorbed into the crown of the plant to build up strength for the following year.
Picking it and disposing of it would be no different to picking it and using it - the plant doesn't know what you're doing with the stems
When the plant has died down remove any rotted leaves and stems that remain mulch around the area with well-rotted farmyard manure, but don't cover the crown.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Leave the stalks and their leaves to feed the roots and make them bigger and stronger for next year. I reckon you can safely pick a few stems from each next year without harming the plant as long as you leave enough to keep feeding the roots and thus build up vigour.
In any case, you should stop picking by about mid July because there are increased levels of oxalic acid present by then - not good for flavour or anyone with arthritis or gout - and because the plant needs to rest and re-invigorate its roots.
In autumn, when all the stems have died down, remove them to the compost heap and give the crowns a generous dollop of well rotted garden compost and some horse manure if you can find any. Some garden centres and DIYs sell it bagged.
I cover my crowns to protect them from serious frosts.
Last edited: 22 August 2016 14:34:27
Thank you for that.Your answer tells me what I wanted to know