Pulling v cutting Rhubarb

[Digeroo]

I have always pulled my rhubarb but some people seem to cut it.  Please can someone tell me what happens if you cut rather than pull. 

[Digeroo]

[antipodes]

Well, I think I might cut in the future - twice this season I pulled rhubarb and actually pulled out part of the crown! I was so annoyed. I think the very dry weather has made it a little fragile.
I am not sure if there is any difference though in either method.

[Fork]

I never cut.

I have always held the stem I want to remove at the bottom and twist and pull gently..always works for me.If i dont grip at the bottom I tend to break them half way down!

[Flighty]

I do the same as Fork, which is the recommended method.

[goodlife]

The theory in pulling V cutting is that by cutting you leave open end of the stalk (like wound) that may allow desease/rot enter into the grown as the stalk is not type of plantmaterial that will heal and seal its self.
The base of the stalk is different matter..it is thin 'membrane'-like and leaves hardly anything 'open' and that thin strip of 'wound' will soon dry out sealing itself.

[antsinmipants]

I push my thumb as far down the stalk as possible until it starts to give. This is easier the thicker the stalks are and usually the whole stalk breaks clean away from the plant.  ;)

[cornykev]

As per Fork and flighty.   ;D

[Weed-Digga]

Fork,
I like a good grip at the bottom too!!

Weed-Digga

[Fork]

Fork,
I like a good grip at the bottom too!!

Weed-Digga

:o ;) ;D

[Robert_Brenchley]

Mine's so big I can't reach the crowns without an effort so I just grab and pull. They usually come off at the base.

[pumkinlover]

Mine's so big I can't reach the crowns without an effort so I just grab and pull. They usually come off at the base.

Lucky you ;D