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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Mrs Ava on July 12, 2004, 12:53:42

Title: rhubarb
Post by: Mrs Ava on July 12, 2004, 12:53:42

When is it considered to late to pick any more rhubarb?  I have had a light picking this year already, even though I only planted them last autumn, as they have grown like trifids, and the bubby is wonderful!  Don't want to waste a potential last picking.  Then, should I feed or can I use compost and manure around the crowns?  ;D

Title: Re:rhubarb
Post by: SueM on July 12, 2004, 21:00:43

I think you can go on to the end of July as long as you don't go mad! The idea is to let enough leaves to grow to give the plant strength for next year.

Sue

Title: Re:rhubarb
Post by: Sarah V Bertram on July 12, 2004, 22:54:22

Good to know this, mine were a bit late to produce this year, so want a bit more from them before I call it a day!

Title: Re:rhubarb
Post by: Mrs Ava on July 13, 2004, 11:56:46

Super, I shall have one more light pick for a couple of pies, and then leave them be.  ;D

Title: Re:rhubarb
Post by: cleo on July 13, 2004, 13:10:11

Well the `lore` says it is far too late already. Something to do with the build up of oxalic acid in the stems-but I am no expert.

Stephan

Title: Re:rhubarb
Post by: aquilegia on July 13, 2004, 13:22:24

Confused now. I picked a load (well, maybe a pound) on Saturday, so I'll probably leave it at that this year. I doubt I'll get much more anyway (they are only two years old).

What's Oxalic acid? Is it good or bad for the plants (or us!)?

Title: Re:rhubarb
Post by: derbex on July 13, 2004, 13:32:39

Oxalic acid is bad for you -but great for removing rust stains from glassfibre, cleaning teak &c.

Jeremy