to harvest or not to harvest

[Sparkly]

I have planted 3 new rhubarb crowns on the plot. This was early march-ish. I know you are not meant to harvest any stalks for the 1st 18 months, but the plants are huge now! Some of the stalks are big, fat and juicy and I am getting tempted to take a few off. They look nearly as good as the more established plants! I think it is all the rain (and manure they were planted in!). Are you supposed to just leave the stalks to rot for the first season? Would it be a really bad idea to take a small harvest? Thanks :)

[Sparkly]

[Fork]

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,33294.msg332644.html#msg332644

take a look here

[Tee Gee]

I have heard this too but I have also heard that providing you do not remove too much all is OK

Each year even with established crowns I always leave some stalks on the plant to die back natually.

Personally I would pick some!

[Mrs Ava]

I'm with Tee Gee, you must reward yourself, even 2 or 3 stems, just poached with some cream or ice cream, just so you know the bounty and pleasures you will get next year.

[Fork]

Tempting though it may be, do not pull any stems during the first season - this would seriously weaken the plant. Let the plant grow during the first year and establish a good healthy root system.

During the second season, pull only a few stems, ensuring that you only pull two per plant at any one time and that five healthy stems always remain.

You will find the above info in many books!

But  each to his or her own!