Rhubarb cultivation question

[Deleted]

This spring I remembered to dig up and re-root my rhubarb. I only did one plant, leaving the two others in case the new plantings failed. I dug out the new sites to a depth of 3', filled the holes with the same compost I use to fertilize rhubarb, and transplanted the roots. I went from 3 old plants (almost 30 years in the same spot!) to a total of 17, then I bought some new rootstock, ending up with 20 plants; this fall I will dig up and re-root the 2 remaining old plants.

My name is Jim, and I have a Rhubarb Problem. . . .

I've not harvested anything from the new plants this year. From what I'm told, you should let the stuff go to build up reserves in the roots so you get a better crop in the future. Today though, I realized I needed to prune it back. The rains this year, probably coupled with the compost I planted in, resulted in rhubarb overshadowing neighboring crops. I pruned out about 5% of the stalks. I saved the stuff that was ripe, and I'll be processing that this evening.

So my question is this: without harming the plants, can I continue to prune/harvest the new plants at about this level every few weeks til autumn?

[paquebot]

NO! Do not mess with those plants! That's the official advice that you'd get in dealing with first-year plants. But they are not new plants but rather transplanted established roots. Removing 5% would mean that there were at least 20 stalks and one less won't kill it. However, do it only when really needed since now until September is when it's using those leaves to help build up a bigger root system. In late September, or just before frost, then you can take whatever you need but won't be good for much other than juice.

Martin

[Deleted]

That is a lot of rhubarb!! What do you plan to do with that amount?

[Deleted]

Thanks Martin! I had to prune it back, will probably need to do it again a time or two before fall. The leaves are huge, even for rhubarb, and thanks to the rain the stalks are just incredibly long. Half the stalks I cut today stuck out of my 5-gallon harvest bucket by at least 8". I'll limit further cutting to an as-needed basis until the September "syrup cut". I've still got two of my original plants for jams etc.

(BTW, sorry to hear about your situation there. If you want any rhubarb roots, drop me a line this fall and I'll send you some when I re-root the old plants. I'll have seeds from my Roma-esque landrace tomato too.)

Mrslc, 3 established plants is usually enough rhubarb to last me a year, plus to share with friends. With this many plants, I figure I'll have enough rhubarb to last me a year, plus supply friends, and a little left over for trading.