Rhubarb question

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Gay Gardener, Aug 25, 2013.

  1. Gay Gardener

    Gay Gardener Total Gardener

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    I've got a clump of rhubarb that always has a fair crop, this year though it has been better than normal (I've got a new regime that seems to be beneficial). It's been cropping since early spring and I've just had another good crop and here is my question. Usually about this time of year it would be cropping less and I'd just let it peter out naturally. But as it is so robust I'm wondering if I can now give it another boosting regime and get another crop this year or I should now leave it to itself to get energised for next year?

    Thanks
    GG
     
  2. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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    I'm still picking my early clump, same here, its done better than usual this year.
     
  3. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    Towards the end of the season you need to leave some of the stalks on the plant so it doesn't continue to take goodness from the clump (crown). The old traditional saying was that you shouldn't pick rhubarb past the end of July. If you have a good healthy crown there should be no problem in continuing to pick rhubarb until autumn. I usually pick until October.

    I don't know what your boosting regime is, so can't comment on it. My crowns are over 50 years old and I don't feed them on anything but sprinkle a little compost around them in the winter.

    If your rhubarb looks ready for picking, then pick it. Then feed it, or whatever you do, to help it through the winter.
     
  4. Gay Gardener

    Gay Gardener Total Gardener

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    Ah cheers to both of you. Shiney yes I think the end of July stuck in my head and I have roughly stuck to that in the past, but they seem raring to go for another crop so I will go for that.
    I've got a few plants that I grew from seed and in a bed that turns out is not the best place, what time of year could I transplant them? I was thinking late autumn?

    Cheers
    GG
     
  5. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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    I'd go with that too, when the tops have died back :)

    Oh, its officially a fruit in America now.
     
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