Rhubarb....when to pick?

[laurazone5]

Last year I planted the 2 plants.
This year, they started to bolt to I wacked the tops off, and this is what I have.
Do I wait until it turns red?
Is it ready now?

PS: My daughter picked the Okra and is pickling it!!!!
Thank you for your help!

[Use Less]

Laura, It's late to pick rhubarb around here. May-June is best, and if the plants get good growth in late summer, pulling some again in the early fall is OK. Even if you bought a red variety, soil conditions have a lot to do with color. Those stalks aren't going to color up at this point. Any of what your pics show is ready; certainly the stalks that are thick. You can pick some now since you haven't. Reach down in and tug them out. Don't cut. Whenever rhubarbs put up flower heads, cut those off as low as you can, but let the other stalks grow. Try to keep them from blooming, since that takes up a lot of the energy. If the stalks with yellowing leaves are spongy, pull those up, too, and compost.

[Deleted]

We pick rhubarb in April. It's really not all that great after May. For sure don't try to make wine from it at that point.

[Melissa]

Generally April and May around here, maybe into early June of the plants are strong and healthy. Some varieties do not turn red so don't go by that.

[laurazone5]

Ok, so should I just leave it alone, let it die back and pick next year?

[Use Less]

I can't agree with Tallpines. I only pull and discard the leaves as they start to brown or the stems go limp. Actually, many of the stalks I see in your 2nd pic look usable. I'd feel fine pulling enough for a couple pies, or a few quart bags in the freezer. It being July, I might pick some once and then let the plant die back. While there are leaves standing, the roots are getting strength.

[oxankle2]

Apparently you can pick the stuff anytime around here if there is enough water to keep it growing. Wife went to her chorus group last week and came home with a bag full of the stuff.

[Use Less]

Well, Tallpines, it sounds like you are much more discriminating about rhubarb than I. More power to you! I certainly do not use any woody stalks, or any that are limp and flexible. From the various replies, "when" is pretty subjective based on both zone and growing conditions. We had a long, cool and wet spring here.

[laurazone5]

I haven't had Rhubarb in DECADES......if I take a bite, how will I know if it's good or not?

[feather]

If it is so sour it tastes like lemon juice and it is stringy, then it is rhubarb. (my sights are set low)
You'll know because one of your eyes will close, your face will contort in an uneven way, like you are having a stroke. That's always a good thing.

[laurazone5]

My daughter and I pulled the best stem, washed it off, and took a bite.
It tastes like Rhubarb, but it's woody.
WE ARE SO EXCITED for Spring!!!! LOL