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Mysterious growth on Rhubarb

debs64debs64 Posts: 4,900
in Plants
Hi all just got back from the allotment where I spotted this strange growth on my rhubarb? Any idea what it is and what I should do about it? Thanks

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  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,900

  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,900

    Sorry it’s sideways not sure why 
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,435
    edited April 2020
    It is a flower bud.
    Remove whole stalk....asap.
    Water./water/water.




    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,768
    It’s a flowering shoot. Pull it out/snap if off from the base or the plant will think it’s job is over. 

    A thorough soaking and a feed will encourage to to concentrate on making leaves rather than reproducing itself. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • jo4eyesjo4eyes Posts: 2,058
    It’s a flower! Honestly. I get them on an inherited clump of mine. 
    I’d cut it out, but you could leave it just to see. 
    Is it an old or large clump? That’s when it’s more likely to happen I think. 
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,900
    Thanks all will sort it out tomorrow it’s a clump I was given from a friend 3 years ago and gives plenty of stalks so don’t want to lose it. Fascinating though! 
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,435
    To happen so early in the season is normally caused by lack of rain/watering.
    Do not leave it just to see ...remove asap.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • GemmaJFGemmaJF Posts: 2,286
    Be careful when you cut it to get close to the crown. When they start to develop fully the stem that carries the flower becomes hollow. It is a really good water trap to rot the crown. If you get them early (now you know what they are) the stem will usually still be solid.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 4,900
    Thanks will do, it’s been pretty dry here so maybe that was the issue. Will let you know how I get on. 
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