pruning first year rhubarb
Robert wrote:
"K" wrote in message
...
: NC writes
[...]
: I have read that rhubarb should not be picked in the first year so as
: to ensure the roots are strong. However, it really is starting to
: spread and looks very healthy. Should I resist the urge to remove some
: stalks for the pot, and just allow the leaves and stalks to die back in
: their own time ? Or can I pick some... but will this stunt the growth
: of the root system ?
:
: You should not be picking this late in the season a) because you need to
: build up healthy crowns to generate good growth next year b) because
: allegedly the oxalic levels in the stems increases later in the year,
: and it is not particularly good for you.
: --
: Kay
but people do, for some reason, and they seem to enjoy it and suffer no bad
effects. Myself, I can think of much better 'fruit' to eat at this time of
year
I don't think a small quantity would do a healthy body any harm; but it
just isn't very nice when it's gone all green and stringy. I'd stick by
the rule-book and wait: it's worth it. I wouldn't pull more than a
couple of stalks off each plant next year, either.
--
Mike.
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