Rhubarb questions
#1
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I planted rhubarb last year, mostly for the nostalgia: we always had some in our garden rowing up, but I didn't pay much attention to the cultivating of the stuff. I knew I shouldn't pick any last year, to give them time to really "settle in". So, this year it is doing just great, so I have a few questions:
Can I harvest some this year? When?
Where exactly do I cut the stalks, at the crown/base, or further up the stalk??
How much of the plant can I harvest at one time or over the growing season?
I know that the seed stalks need to be removed, are these edible? (I know the leaves are not)
Can the leaves be composted?
Usually we had just stewed rhubarb, Mom would can quarts of the juice left from the stewing to use in making punches, usually red kool-ade mixed half and half . any other ideas for using rhubarb?
I planted rhubarb last year, mostly for the nostalgia: we always had some in our garden rowing up, but I didn't pay much attention to the cultivating of the stuff. I knew I shouldn't pick any last year, to give them time to really "settle in". So, this year it is doing just great, so I have a few questions:
Can I harvest some this year? When?
Where exactly do I cut the stalks, at the crown/base, or further up the stalk??
How much of the plant can I harvest at one time or over the growing season?
I know that the seed stalks need to be removed, are these edible? (I know the leaves are not)
Can the leaves be composted?
Usually we had just stewed rhubarb, Mom would can quarts of the juice left from the stewing to use in making punches, usually red kool-ade mixed half and half . any other ideas for using rhubarb?
#2
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Yes , you can harvest about half the stalks this year. Do NOT cut the stalks , pull them. other wise the part that is left from cut off will rot. The leaves are not to be put in the compost pile either. I have a good custard cake recipe --I will find and post.
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
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I guess I just have to different, I always cut my stalks leaving about an inch above the ground. I have been doing it that way for the last 40 some years and haven't killed my plants yet. My Ruby Red always comes on first in the spring. I do remove the seed heads to extend the cutting season.
#7
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,798
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I do ... and don;t know of any problems.
Rhubarb Custard Cake .. you have my attention, and I would so appreciate the recipe.
Thanks!
Was checking my rhubarb yesterday and it's well on the way ... though a long way from harvesting!
![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
#9
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Why should the leaves not be added to the compost?
I do ... and don;t know of any problems.
Rhubarb Custard Cake .. you have my attention, and I would so appreciate the recipe.
Thanks!
Was checking my rhubarb yesterday and it's well on the way ... though a long way from harvesting!![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
I do ... and don;t know of any problems.
Rhubarb Custard Cake .. you have my attention, and I would so appreciate the recipe.
Thanks!
Was checking my rhubarb yesterday and it's well on the way ... though a long way from harvesting!
![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
#10
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From my research on the stuff, seems like rhubarb needs a cold spell to do well, so to get it in SoCal, I'm guessing it must need to be trucked in from colder places, hence the price. Altho I haven't bought it from our local stores because of the price.
Last edited by Cosy; 05-02-2013 at 05:05 PM.
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