I've never grown rhubarb before but I'm assuming this is the beginnings of a flower stalk. It caught me a bit off guard as I wasn't expecting one to form so early in the season. I decided to cut it off so that the plant can put all of its energy into producing stems and leaves. I have my doubts as to whether we'll be able to harvest any rhubarb this year. Time will tell I guess.
I'm heading to southern Florida tomorrow for work - just in time as we're expecting rain for the rest of the week. It'll be nice to soak up some serious heat. Hopefully things will clear up by the time I get back this weekend. I've written a few updates and have set them up automatically post while I'm away. See you all in a few days!
You were right to cut off the flower stems of your rhubarb. There will probably be more to follow. Just cut these as they form so your rhubarb can focus its energy on becoming established. Hopefully next year you will be able to enjoy a good harvest.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Florida.
Have a great trip, I will now be doing the same to my rhubarb.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! I know in Nothern MN they will be harvesting stalks soon so after it gets established next year check even earlier for harvest - I'm excited to see what you make with it, you will LOVE having that mature stand of rhubarb someday, it really is a stunning perennial that looks good even in landscaping!
ReplyDeleteI need to get out and harvest some of my rhubarb. It's good you cut back the flower stalk so the plant will continue to put energy into root development. It takes a bit to get these perennial plants established but rhubarb is one that will reward you plentifully for years to come. Mine have gotten so big that I need to seriously think about dividing them next spring while they are dormant.
ReplyDeleteYes, and they grow really fast once they begin to flower. I can cut a stalk off and the next morning there are several other flowers popping up. The purple is beautiful. What variety do you have, Thomas? Our flowers are white. Just harvested our first stalks on Sunday and they immediately went into a strawberry rhubarb crisp that was out of this world. Unfortunately the berries aren't in yet, but soon to be. We have flowers galore!
ReplyDeleteHi Lorie, I don't recall what variety I have but I suspect that it's Victoria. I guess I'll be dreaming about rhubarb crisp for a while longer.
ReplyDeleteWe have a bouquet of rhubarb flowers I cut off our plant. They grow really tall and pretty much look like pinkish-cream broccoli. I had never in my life seen a rhubarb flower before.
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