Rhubarb
valerieroberts
Posts: 726
in Fruit & veg
I have heard that you should not use rhubarb after July. My rhubarb has decided to grow very well now. Is the reason not to eat after July because of the acid that they produce in the leaves that may go down into the stalks, or because they need the energy for next year to produce more shoots. Thoughts welcome and thank you. Val
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I picked my last lot at the weekend, but then they say don't pick the first lot either. I pick it for as long as there's enough stems on it, I will probably leave it now.
An old farmer I knew said not to pick it late as it was unlucky!
The flavour is certainly better earlier on and the stalks are less fibrous then too, but the main reason for not pulling the stalks after July is, as you say, because they need the energy for next year.
This year has been an amazing year for rhubarb ... mine is absolutely huge
Wow, I couldn't leave all that, I would have to put it in the freezer.
So will I , thanks for that. Val
The reason it's like that Lyn, is because I never pick it after the end of June. It's brilliant in Feb, really great bright pink stalks.
Last edited: 30 August 2017 19:03:40
Picked at the end of last Feb. variety Timperley Early.
Well, how did that happen??????????
My Rhubarb also had a second flush this year, both plants are huge, well over two meters across and over a meter tall. I took one of the new stems tonight, just as tender and tasty as the june ones were.
I would think that so long as you're not plucking everything it'll be fine. I think I took 10 stems from the two triffids this year, I doubt they even noticed!
Last edited: 30 August 2017 22:43:22
It's so good you felt the need to show it twice?
I couldnt have left mine, there's was loads of it, I've picked it up to last weekend, there's still lots of new shoots on it which I will leave now for next year. I think with four plants, I've just grown too many. you know what it's like with seeds if it grows for you you can't chuck it out.?