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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: caroline7758 on September 20, 2009, 18:48:51

Title: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: caroline7758 on September 20, 2009, 18:48:51
We are told to stop picking rhubarb in July but is it still ok to cutoff the leaves for mulching and soaking?
Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: phlips66 on September 20, 2009, 20:04:11
i have heard that it is ok to use it for chutney but not ideal in desserts as it gets a bit tough
as for the leaves they are ok to compost or mulch
Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on September 20, 2009, 20:19:08
The oxalic acid content increases at this time of year, and it's not as juicy as it was in spring either. That would make it better for insecticide, if that's what you're soaking it for, and it's not going to affect its use as mulch.
Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: Flighty on September 20, 2009, 20:23:16
Take off leaves and stalks, leaving at least four on the plant.  If you don't use the stalks they can go on the compost heap.
Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: saddad on September 20, 2009, 20:33:56
Welcome to A4A Phlips66...  :)
Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: caroline7758 on September 21, 2009, 07:41:01
Thanks. I was thinking that over-harvesting the plant would weaken it, but not sure whether just harvesting the leaves would have the same effect.
Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: cleo on September 21, 2009, 10:41:21
Take all the leaves you wish-it will do no harm at this time of year