Rhubarb woes
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. |
Rhubarb woes
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Rhubarb woes
In article ,
Roger Tonkin wrote: 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)? 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. Say, 5-6 years, and I did exactly as you said. My question is whether I should regard the two weak plants as potentially infected (or whatever). I can't see any evidence of that, except for the small number of spindly shoots. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Rhubarb woes
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Rhubarb woes
|
Rhubarb woes
In article ,
Charlie Pridham wrote: On 14/03/2017 11:25, Roger Tonkin wrote: Never heard of any infections in rhubarb, but always a may be! Assuming you did not force the crowns, which always weakens them, I would leave them alone, but not pick any stems this year, unless they get really well ladened. Yes, I forced them, but did that to the strong plant, too. I don't think that there is much point in giving them another chance. I know Rhubarb can be prone to virus but its more likely something has been eating the roots, (check for vine weevil) Or the growing tips. If I dig them up, I will check. Vine weevil is unlikely here, because it doesn't like frost much, and I have never seen it - but it's only one of many such pests. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Rhubarb woes
On 12/03/2017 15:08, Nick Maclaren wrote:
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)? I don't know. I have never had anything other than vigorous growth out of mine on a heavy clay soil. It gets forced most years but then left to its own devices when we get fed up with rhubarb. Last year was a bit peculiar with the warm weather as the unforced plant had new shoots on Xmas day sufficient for rhubarb crumble!!! -- Regards, Martin Brown |
Rhubarb woes
"Nick Maclaren" wrote in message ... Snip Or the growing tips. If I dig them up, I will check. Vine weevil is unlikely here, because it doesn't like frost much, and I have never seen it - but it's only one of many such pests. Whoever told you that! I live in the far north of Scotland where winter temperatures regularly reach -15C and we have a real vine weevil problem. Phil --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com |
Rhubarb woes
On 15/03/2017 12:09, Martin Brown wrote:
On 12/03/2017 15:08, Nick Maclaren wrote: 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)? I don't know. I have never had anything other than vigorous growth out of mine on a heavy clay soil. It gets forced most years but then left to its own devices when we get fed up with rhubarb. Last year was a bit peculiar with the warm weather as the unforced plant had new shoots on Xmas day sufficient for rhubarb crumble!!! Sounds to me as if they need a good helping of farmyard manure. David @ a dull side of Swansea Bay --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com |
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