Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi, is there a set time that you should stop pulling the plant and let it recover? Also, how much is it advisable to leave on the plant...3 or 4 stems or much more? I am frightened on over harvesting and killing the poor plant. Also I intend to split it in the autumn and distribute it amongst my fellow plot holders. Thanks Helen

I think there is an old wives tale about the devil going into the rhubarb on June 24th so you shouldn't pull it after then. But I stop pulling it when it stops looking good. The leaves contain oxalic acid and as the season goes on the acid starts to travel down the stems so don't pull it too late. You are right not to over harvest it. I would leave half a dozen stems on the crown.

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Thanks Lesley, I just love old wives tales about the devil. My daughter is researching into superstition and belief so must tell her that one.

Helenclare, I've been told you shouldn't pull any rhubarb after the second or third week in June but to cut off any flower stems which shoot up.

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Into every life a little rain must fall.

My Grandma used to say that Parsley went to the devil seven times - that's why it takes so long to germinate. It this is the case where have my bloody parsnips gone

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ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

http://grief-encounters.blogspot.com/

I'm gutted as I now have loads of new growth that I was going to use in chutney and to freeze. If I pick new growth and not old, should I still be leaving well alone?

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Shortie

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children; one of these is roots, the other wings" - Hodding Carter

Shortie,

Having seen your rhubarb.... I really wouldn't worry about harvesting it... I don't think anything you could do to your rhubarb could possibly damage or kill it!!! If anything, it might do it some good...!!

Slug

Cheers Slug

Was wondering about the oxalic acid seeping into the stems.

You're right, I think there's no fear I'll kill this monster!

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Shortie

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children; one of these is roots, the other wings" - Hodding Carter