Growing rhubarb requires careful harvesting to ensure the plant continues to grow and thrive. The best time to pick rhubarb is during the months of May, June, and early July. This is when the plant is at its peak and the stalks are tender and full of flavor.
When harvesting rhubarb, it’s important to use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stalks. This helps to prevent damage to the plant and promotes healthy regrowth. It’s recommended to cut the stalks close to the base of the plant, leaving about an inch or two of the stalk attached. This allows the plant to heal and continue growing.
To encourage the rhubarb plant to keep growing, it’s important to avoid overharvesting. It’s generally recommended to only harvest up to one-third of the plant’s stalks at a time. This ensures that there are enough leaves remaining to provide energy for the plant to continue growing and producing more stalks.
One way to extend the harvesting season of rhubarb is to remove the flower stalk before it blooms. This can be done by cutting it off at the base of the plant. By removing the flower stalk, the plant can focus its energy on producing more rhubarb stalks rather than producing flowers and seeds. This can help to prolong the harvesting season and increase the overall yield of rhubarb.
After the main harvesting season is over, typically in early July, it’s important to let the rhubarb plant be. This allows it to regrow and recharge, building up energy reserves to survive the winter. It’s recommended to avoid harvesting rhubarb in late summer and fall to ensure the plant has enough time to prepare for the colder months ahead.
In terms of caring for the rhubarb plant to promote continued growth, it’s important to provide it with adequate water and nutrients. Rhubarb plants prefer well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. Additionally, applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
In my personal experience, I have found that following these guidelines for harvesting and caring for rhubarb has resulted in a robust and productive plant. By being mindful of how much I harvest and when, I have been able to enjoy a bountiful harvest while ensuring the plant remains healthy and continues to grow year after year.
