Rhubarb

my rhubarb plants are about 4 years old, I had a very disappointing crop off them last year, they flowered many times which I know is a bad sign! I sprinkled some blood, fish & bone around the area of the plants being careful not to get it on the actual plant, I carefully dug it into the ground & watered it, which is what I'd done in previous years. Would I be better to dig in some farmyard manure instead of the blood fish & bone or do they need replacing?

 

Hi Beckie,

Are they growing in full sun well drained soil ?

They are greedy plants , the more you feed the more you get back , no need to dig in the manure just leave on the top off the soil and leave a gap where the nose of the plants will sprout up, the worms will do the rest.

 

Thanks for your repliesSpruce & Loofah .
The rhubarb is in full sun until late afternoon. We have very heavy clay soil here.
I can already see the rhubarb starting to sprout, I think I will try putting the manure around the plant this year then if theres no improvement I shall split it next year.....just need some dry weather now, might brave the elements tomorrow though I'm fed up with not getting anything much done! ❄️

 

I've been daft and planted a split clump in the soggiest part of the plot

Hasn't done too well so i've covered it with a thick layer of compost and hoping it will grow up thru it

 

I put custard on mine
I'll get my coat..........