In message ,
TheScullster writes
Hi all

Noticed yesterday that the Rhubarb had 3 or 4 big squirly seed pod things on
.
Last year it did really well, but I didn't pick any stalks as it was its
first year.
This year I noticed what-looked-like corn on the cob wraps appearing at the
base of some stems, but didn't recognise them as seed pods.
Within a couple of weeks the pods sprouted like triffids - very strange
looking!

According to various sites, these should be removed, so I pulled up out the
stems that the pods were attached to.
My rhubarb now looks like a shadow of its former self .

Should I have started picking the rhubarb stalks earlier?
Would this have prevented the formation of the seed pods?
Will I still be able to harvest stalks for eating?
If so, should I leave the plant to recover a bit?

TIA

Phil



Hmm, I've either snapped off the seed stems or pulled them out
completely with probably a bit of plant damage and the rhubarb has kept
on going. You should still see stalks for a while yet, any plant that's
still established should keep on giving for a long while yet.


What's the reason for doing this? I've been told numerous times never to
let rhubarb seed, and also for mint, to the extent that my Mum won't
accept any mint that has seeded.

--
Mike Buckley
RD350LC2