Rhubarb is a stunning addition to any home garden as it looks good and tastes even better when cooked. However, if the aim for planting it is the latter reason, a little extra care is required ahead of the summer.
Despite its reputation as a low-maintenance perennial, rhubarb can be surprisingly fussy when it comes to energy distribution. And while the plant’s leaves are inedible, they’re not the real problem. Gardeners are advised to avoid the flower stalks, as they can affect the harvest.
Finding flower stalks is a sign that the plant is entering reproduction mode – at the cost of flavour and yield.
“Check your plant every now and then for flower stalks,” The Tea Break Gardener said. “You will want to remove these to prevent the plant from diverting its attention to flower and seed production.”
These blooms tend to appear as bulbous green heads before unfurling into frothy, cauliflower-like flowers tinged with pink.
By allowing the flowers to fully develop, the rhubarb plant pulls nutrients away from the edible stalks and roots in favour of flowering.
Eventually, this leads to thinner stems, reduced growth, and a tired crown less capable of bouncing back next year.
Experts recommend removing the flower stalks as soon as they’re spotted – ideally before they bloom.
And while the edible stalks can still be picked safely even if flowers begin to form, it’s best to do so early.
According to Montana State University, even if you like the look of the flowers, they are best cut off as soon as they appear.
Keeping rhubarb productive also comes down to timing and conditions, and it thrives in cooler climates with a moist, mulched base to deter premature flowering (also known as bolting).
A shaded location with regular watering helps preserve the growing energy in the stalks, rather than sending it upward into floral display.
Once harvested, if you are looking for the best place to store rhubarb to make it last longer, one experts says the fridge is ideal.