You can still harvest rhubarb after it flowers. Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is primarily grown for its tart and tangy stalks, which are commonly used in pies, jams, and other culinary dishes. While the plant does produce flower stalks, known as bolting, it is not necessary to remove or cut them in order to continue harvesting the leaf stalks for consumption.
When a rhubarb plant flowers, it redirects some of its energy towards the production of flowers and seeds. This can result in a decrease in foliage production and potentially affect the size and quality of the leaf stalks. However, it does not render the stalks inedible or poisonous. Therefore, you can still harvest and use the leaf stalks for culinary purposes even if the plant has flowered.
If you notice that your rhubarb plant has produced flower stalks, it is recommended to remove them to redirect the plant’s energy back towards foliage production. By doing so, you can encourage the plant to produce larger and healthier leaf stalks. Simply cut off the flower stalks at their base, taking care not to damage the rest of the plant. This will help maintain the desired priority for foliage production and ensure a more abundant harvest.
It is important to note that once a rhubarb plant flowers, it may take some time for it to fully recover and resume its normal foliage production. This process can vary depending on various factors such as the plant’s overall health, growing conditions, and the specific variety of rhubarb. However, with proper care and maintenance, the plant should eventually return to its desired state of foliage production.
In my personal experience, I have encountered rhubarb plants that have flowered and continued to produce edible leaf stalks. While the size and quality of the stalks may be slightly affected, they were still suitable for consumption and retained their tart flavor. By removing the flower stalks and providing the plant with adequate nutrients and care, I was able to restore the plant’s foliage production and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
To summarize, rhubarb can still be harvested after it flowers. The flower stalks themselves are not poisonous, and the leaf stalks remain edible regardless of whether flower stalks are present. However, removing the flower stalks can help redirect the plant’s energy towards foliage production and potentially result in larger and healthier leaf stalks. With proper care, the plant will gradually recover and resume its normal growth and foliage production.
