Rhubarb is a favorite plant to grow amongst many gardeners and is a staple in many summer desserts.
One must keep an eye on the rhubarb’s crown now to ensure a plentiful bounty.(Image: Getty)
Rhubarb aficionados should get ready for the prime harvest period come early June, yet a word of caution is in order. One must keep an eye on the rhubarb’s crown now to ensure a plentiful bounty.
As temperatures rise, rhubarb might start bolting. Stress prompts the plant to forsake growing edible stalks in favor of seed propagation.
If rhubarb starts bolting, it won’t yield any edible produce and will instead focus on producing slender woody flowers, severely weakening it.
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Stress prompts the rhubarb plant to forsake growing edible stalks in favor of seed propagation.(Image: Getty)
But Kimberly Killebrew, gardening enthusiast and founder of Daring Gourmet, says thwarting bolting is a breeze if you nip seeding pods in the bud before they scatter.
She advises, “Ideally, you really want to avoid letting your rhubarb plant even get to the point where there are flower stalks.
“Initially, these long shoots start off as a seed pod at the base of the plant. As soon as you notice these seed pods, remove them,” Killebrew added.
Seed pods emerge around the rhubarb’s crown, looking like plump green growths where you’d typically expect stalks, reports the Express.
These pods may seem reddish or pinkish and resemble a cabbage head or a tight fist in appearance.
The good news is that seeding pods are quite delicate and easy to take off if caught early.
When you spot them, simply remove them with a knife or garden shears, cutting as close to the plant’s base as possible.
If you spot any flower clusters, snip them off right away, but take caution since they’re often tougher to remove.
Ensure your gardening tools are up to the task.
By removing flowers and pods, your rhubarb can channel its energy into producing the largest and most succulent stalks for a bountiful June harvest.
“With your seed pods and flower stalks removed, your rhubarb plant can now focus its energy and producing a delicious and healthy yield of edible rhubarb stalks. Continue checking your plant frequently for new seed pods and promptly remove them,” Killebrew advised.
Keep in mind that rhubarb typically starts bolting when stressed by heat, so regular watering is crucial to prevent the soil from drying out.
Consider mulching or shading your potted rhubarb to keep it cool, which helps safeguard your crop.
Yet, the most effective strategy for protecting rhubarb stalks is daily inspection, as early removal of any budding flowers greatly increases the chances of continued growth.