Rhubarb

[debster]

I grew some rhubarb from seed last year, or very late the year before cannot remember exactly, but what i want to know is do i class last year as its first year or this year. In other words can i eat it this year or should i leave it til next before attacking it?
many thanks
debs

[debster]

[Tee Gee]

The jury has been out on this one for as long as I have grown it.

In my opinion this not picking first year is a bit of a nonsense.

Having said that do not pick it all in its first year as it needs its leaves to develop.

So I would say use up to about 50% if you want to.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I'd say you can start to eat it when it starts to produce decent-sized stems, but always leave several on each root as it needs the nourishment.

[debster]

excellent thank you very much ;D
in fairness it wouldnt have been big enough to eat last year

[grannyjanny]

I have some small crowns that were split from a couple of large ones. Does this mean I can use some of them this year. I was advised not to pick it this year.
Janet

[Tee Gee]

Does this mean I can use some of them this year.

As I said above and it has been backed up by Robert.........in my opinion....Yes ...........providing you don't pick the lot!

[Robert_Brenchley]

If you get decent sized stems, use a few. If it's not strong enough to be picked, then it'll only be producing miserable spindly things anyway!