"tenchman" wrote in message
...
Hi Group,

My productive rhubarb has thrown up a large seed head, which has raised
the following questions.
1. Should it be removed and how?
2. Is it safe to keep harvesting the crop?
3. Is this a sign that the root needs splitting ( its been there for
years)
4. Could it be overfed? (its growing next to the compost bin and gets a
regular supply compost leaching.

Please can anyone advise me on this.

Thanks in advance to all those that take the time to reply.


David.


Hello

The general view seems to be that if the rhubarb plant is flowering, then it
is putting resources into producing the flower head that could be used
producing edible stalks. As such, most people cut them off as soon as they
appear.

I have read other peoples posts that state that the rhubarb flower is such a
sight that it should be left purely for aesthetic purposes, and it will make
little difference to the plant.

I grew 4 rhubarb plants from seed last year, and all 4 flowered this year -
so I doubt it is a sign that the root needs splitting.

I have not harvested the flowering rhubarb this year as I feel it is not yet
strong enough (being only 1 year old). I may take off the odd stalk or two
in a few weeks. I have a few more established plants proving me with crumble
filling! However - if the plants had been older, I would have happily
harvested whilst flowering.

I cover my established rhubarb crowns with well rotted horse manure every
winter (of which I have an inexhaustible supply) - as such I doubt the
compost bin will be harming them - and is in fact probably benefiting them!

Hope this helps (Maybe I should spend more time posting and less time
lurking!).

Henry

Broadclyst
Exeter