Rhubarb
 

For many years, I've enjoyed a good crop from one
particular clump of rhubarb, which was gradually
expanding. So in the winter 2011/12, I cut off and dug
up two smaalish crowns from it, which I planted. Last
summer I enjoyed a bumper crop, picking from all thre
crowns, even though you are not supposed to pick from
first year crown (they were so prolific, it was a
shame to waste them).

This year all three crowns are growing well, but they
have all started developing flower heads, which I've
never had before on this particular variety. I just
pick the flower heads off, and leave everything to
grow on normally.

I am just intrigued as to the possible reason for this
change in behaviour. There are four possibilities in
my mind:

1) Last years weather
2) Last winters weather
3) I've not put any rotted compost around the crowns
this year
4) Last years bumper crop

Anyone any ideas?


--
Roger T

700 ft up in Mid-Wales

Rhubarb
 

Roger Tonkin wrote in
:

For many years, I've enjoyed a good crop from one
particular clump of rhubarb, which was gradually
expanding. So in the winter 2011/12, I cut off and dug
up two smaalish crowns from it, which I planted. Last
summer I enjoyed a bumper crop, picking from all thre
crowns, even though you are not supposed to pick from
first year crown (they were so prolific, it was a
shame to waste them).

This year all three crowns are growing well, but they
have all started developing flower heads, which I've
never had before on this particular variety. I just
pick the flower heads off, and leave everything to
grow on normally.

I am just intrigued as to the possible reason for this
change in behaviour. There are four possibilities in
my mind:

1) Last years weather
2) Last winters weather
3) I've not put any rotted compost around the crowns
this year
4) Last years bumper crop

Anyone any ideas?



Mine has grown flower heads for 3 or 4 years in a row. No idea why. I just
remove them and still get a nice big crop.

Baz

Rhubarb
 

On 02/05/2013 20:59, Roger Tonkin wrote:
For many years, I've enjoyed a good crop from one
particular clump of rhubarb, which was gradually
expanding. So in the winter 2011/12, I cut off and dug
up two smaalish crowns from it, which I planted. Last
summer I enjoyed a bumper crop, picking from all thre
crowns, even though you are not supposed to pick from
first year crown (they were so prolific, it was a
shame to waste them).

This year all three crowns are growing well, but they
have all started developing flower heads, which I've
never had before on this particular variety. I just
pick the flower heads off, and leave everything to
grow on normally.

I am just intrigued as to the possible reason for this
change in behaviour. There are four possibilities in
my mind:

1) Last years weather
2) Last winters weather
3) I've not put any rotted compost around the crowns
this year
4) Last years bumper crop

Anyone any ideas?

I expect it feels slightly threatened from last year and as such will
attempt to flower as a priority. Mine usually flowers much later one. By
then we are fed up with rhubarb anyway. It main claim to fame is being
the first new season garden produce.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown