Rhubarb

hi

does anyone have some advice on rhubarb. i bought a plant from my local nursery last week, i've planted it in a sunny (ish) spot in a corner and given it a mulch of compost.
now what?
it has about four large leaves (with a stalk each, obviously) when can it be harvested. should a few leaves be left on. there are a few small leaves emerging from the crown.

sorry if i seem a bit thick, i'm new to this gardening lark

 

Hi Grubby mitts,

I inherited a rhubarb plant when we moved in 7 years ago and it is in a semi shady spot and thrives on neglect. I do absolutely nothing and just pick stalks as and when I please. Mine is ready now. If I were you I would only pick the the stalks with the large leaves and let the rest develop. Hope this is some help

 

Hi grubby mitts, welcome to GC!

For the first year you should only pick one or two leaves really to give it a chance to recover from the stress of being replanted.

Give it a good mulch once it dies back late autumn and next year you should be able to pick as much as you like.

T

 

Hi folks. Just bought myself 2 rhubarb plants, called Raspberry Red. On the tag, it SAYS that you dont need to force. Can anyone confirm this please ? Cheers...freddy.

 

Just grow it as normal, freddy, you shouldn`t have a problem. But, if you want to force it don`t do it this year, let the plants establish for a season first.

 

Ok Dai...thanks.

 

Freddy - you shouldn't force in the first year, in any event.