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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Lishka on December 27, 2012, 18:27:07

Title: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Lishka on December 27, 2012, 18:27:07
Anyone else?

I noticed yesters that one of my 3 crowns (but don't atm remember which) was well through.

So I popped a FREE CO-OP black bukkit over it .....

Once they start they go like trains, I reckon.

Any bets on when I'll get my first 2013 crumble?

Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: daitheplant on December 27, 2012, 19:50:32
If the weather stays mild, the end of January. :thumbsup: :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Digeroo on December 27, 2012, 20:34:50
With all the warm weather some of mine is getting started too.  Not sure what will happen if the cold sets in again. 

Rhubarb end of Jan will be very nice indeed.    :blob7:
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Obelixx on December 28, 2012, 09:05:59
Mine is still hiding but we're set for another balmy day todau so it won't be long, unless we get a cold snap.

I spotted what I thought were new bulb shoots at the base of a clematis the other day, except I hadn't planted any that close.  Turns out they're clematis shoots which is 3 months ahead of schedule for my garden.  They'll need protection now.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: davejg on December 28, 2012, 22:15:43
Thanks for  the reminder, went down the plot & 2 of my timperly potted crowns are showing. They are now in the shed with a bucket over them.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Debs on December 29, 2012, 03:39:01
Must look at mine.

Have been awoken by howling wind so pottering about. Temperature guage shows outside temp is 13 C - and that was at 2.20am on the North east coast  :glasses9:
It won't last.
5 day forecast showing 0 C for New Years day (night temp)

Debs
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Obelixx on December 29, 2012, 11:32:29
Mine's coming through too now.  I have 11 crowns so not enough big buckets to protect them all.   They'll have to make do with a big dollop of compost if I can persuade OH to dig some out for me since I'm waiting for a foot op.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Digeroo on December 29, 2012, 11:44:40
Quotemy timperly potted crowns
I like the idea of having some growing in pots so they can be moved inside for an early crop.

QuoteI have 11 crowns so not enough big buckets to protect them all
You must like a lot of rhubarb.  I thought that it was not recommended that you force rhubarb every year so possibly a good thing you do not have enough buckets.   Wickes builders buckets are £1.28.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on December 29, 2012, 21:09:01
This isn't forcing, it's blanching. forcing is when you apply heat to make it grow earlier. Blanchning keps the light off, and produces a tenderer, more delicate-flavoured (supposedly; I like the normal rhubarb) crop. Forcing exhausts the root, but I'm not sure blanching dows much harm.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Chrispy on December 30, 2012, 09:30:47
Whether you apply heat or not, growing rhubarb in the dark causes it to grow just using it's energy reserves, so this is why the plant is weakened as it will have used up more of it's reserves.

My rhubarb was showing a few leaves when I last looked, but they were the type you get when it has not been cold enough yet, so I will be leaving them be so they can get their winter rest.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: manicscousers on December 30, 2012, 15:47:40
Ours has started, too, plus all the bits we cut off are starting to show  :happy7:
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: Obelixx on December 30, 2012, 16:29:13
Digerroo - we do like rhubrab and I blanch 4 or 5 crowns each year then let them rest the next year.  I give a lot away as I have friends whose soil isn't good for growing rhubarb.   I make chutney to last all year (Emma Jane's recipe) and we like crumble and cobbler too.  Rhubarb cake is fab for gatherings and OH eats it just stewed too.
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: bluecar on December 30, 2012, 17:17:09
Hello Obbelix.

Rhubarb chutney sounds good. I tried a search for it, but couldn't find Emma Jane's recipe. Have you got a link or would you be able to post it up again?

Regards

Bluecar
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: woodypecks on December 31, 2012, 16:08:01
...................  dashes off to have a look at mine ........
Title: Re: New rhubarb emerging!
Post by: vague on January 01, 2013, 14:02:40
Reading this thread prompted me to check me crowns, and the oldest one is emerging new growth!!

The only thing is that it is the one i was hoping to split this year.  (Ive had i 5yrs...and it was probably a few yrs old before that!!)

Does anyone know, would i still be able to split it if it contnues?  Or will i hve to leave it?

Ta :toothy10: