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Old 27-08-2006, 08:24 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Mike Lyle[_1_] Mike Lyle[_1_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Oct 2005
Posts: 544
Default 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.