As a gardening and landscaping enthusiast, I can confidently say that rhubarb is still good after it flowers. Many people wonder if the flowering of rhubarb affects its edibility, and the answer is no. The leaf stalks, also known as petioles, remain perfectly safe to eat, regardless of whether the plant has flower stalks present or not.
It is important to note that while the leaf stalks remain edible, the leafy blade portion of the rhubarb plant is always poisonous. This is due to the presence of a high level of oxalic acid, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is crucial to only consume the leaf stalks and discard the leafy blades.
I have personally grown rhubarb in my garden for years, and I have always harvested the leaf stalks for culinary purposes without any issues. The flowering of the plant has never affected the quality or safety of the stalks. In fact, the flowering can add a beautiful aesthetic to the plant and attract pollinators to your garden.
To ensure the continued productivity of your rhubarb plant, it is generally recommended to remove the flower stalks as soon as they appear. This allows the plant to focus its energy on producing robust leaf stalks rather than diverting resources to flower and seed production. However, if you choose to let the plant flower, it will not harm the edibility of the leaf stalks.
If you have a rhubarb plant that has flowered, there is no need to worry about its edibility. The leaf stalks remain perfectly safe to eat, while it is important to avoid consuming the leafy blades of the plant. Whether you choose to remove the flower stalks or let them bloom is a personal preference and will not affect the quality of the stalks. Enjoy the delicious and tangy flavor of rhubarb in your culinary creations without any concerns about its flowering.
