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Roger Tonkin[_2_] · 12-03-2017, 05:31 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

In article ,
says...

Of my 3 rhubarb plants, all grew fairly well to well last year,
but two of them have put up only a few spindly shoots this year.
I assume that I have to start again, but is that likely to mean
that I need to get new stock (as distinct from taking offsets)?

Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

Depends on the age of the roots. Mine usually last about 5-6
years before needing to be trimmed back - I tend to break off
side offsets without disturbing the whole plant if possible. I
left behind two large plants that had been cropping well for at
least 15 years when I moved.

Never pick the stems in the first year is a rule I was always
told, but one root I transplanted some of was so vigourous that
I decided to go ahed and crop - lightly. That cropped well the
next year as well.

--
Roger T

700 ft up in Mid-Wales