Rhubarb problems

[Chilli P]

Hi im new to the forum & have tried to grow Rhubarb & failed. I used manure & bought new crowns. I planted 1 crown early last year it didn't do well & still not doing much even though i have a bucket over it. I didn't pull any stalks last year as there wern't any really to pull, do you think i may be planting it to deep?

[DavidT]

The problem is you are trying to force it before it`s had a chance to settle in. Take the bucket off and let it grow for a season, and DO NOT take any stems. You can have a couple NEXT year.

[Chilli P]

Thank you for that, the bucket is off, iv taken a photo of it but not sure if i can get it on here to show you.

[DavidT]

It looks ok Chilli, but I would suggest you cover it with some well rotted manure. If you can`t gret manure, get a bag of spent mushroom compost from the local garden centre.

[Chilli P]

Thank you for your help

[GillB]

When can I pick the first rhubarb stalks of the year?

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Gill, if they are new rhubarb plants then you shouldn't pull any stalks during the first season to let the plant establish. I usually start to pull the stalks when they look the right size, probably around the start of May, only taking a few stalks per crown. Rhubarb shouldn't be harvested past the end of June as the oxalic acid in the leaves starts to travel down the stalks then.

[GillB]

Thanks or your reply. The crowns were planted last spring and we refrained from cropping them. Now I am looking forward to eating some of it.

[Lesley Jay]

As the crowns are only in their second season you still need to harvest carefully and only pull a few stalks per crown at a time.

[GillB]

Thanks for your advice