Why does rhubarb bloom

Do you have to? Nor will they affect the flavor of the rhubarb. The simple reason is that it takes a plant a lot of energy to produce flowers and seeds and that is energy is being diverted from producing the actual edible stalks. Ideally you really want to avoid letting your rhubarb plant even get to the point where there are flower stalks. Initially these long shoots start off as a seed pod at the base of the plant. As soon as you notice these seed pods remove them.

Remove these flower stalks by cutting them with a sharp, clean knife as close to the base of the plant as possible. Rhubarb flowers last a long time. Try putting them in a vase for a more exotic flower arrangement. With your seed pods and flower stalks removed your rhubarb plant can now focus its energy and producing a delicious and healthy yield of edible rhubarb stalks.

Continue checking your plant frequently for new seeds pods and promptly remove them. Rhubarb Crisp. Previous Post. Next Post. Sign up for the Laidback Gardener blog and receive articles in your inbox every morning! Email Address Subscribe. Loading Comments Email Required Name Required Website. An article from Montana State University MSU states that letting flowering stalks form completely will take away nutrients from the petioles, the edible stalks, and roots and transfer it to the seedpods.

You can simply prune away the flowers whenever you see them appear. There is no way to rid your rhubarb of flowers, but there are many ways to prevent it. First, you can try different varieties to test which you like the most. As mentioned, rhubarb grows best is cool temperatures, so having it in a shaded area or planning ahead and putting mulch around the base of the rhubarb before a hot period of time and keeping it nice and moist can prevent heat playing a role in bolting.

Similarly, reducing the possibilities of stressors by watering frequently, fertilizing, and keeping your pets out of your rhubarb will help.

MSU recommends planting rhubarb in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a lot of organic matter and fertilizing just as the stalks first appear with something like Monitoring your rhubarb closely for pods and removing them will not rid of them forever, but it will ensure that you are harvesting the best rhubarb.

In conclusion, there is no way to completely rid your rhubarb plants of bolting or going to seed, there are ways to prevent it. Keeping a good eye on it and spending some time removing seed heads if you have any will pay off by providing you with delicious, high quality rhubarb. So get on your gardening gloves and get out there to pick some rhubarb!

And please share your favorite rhubarb recipe. I am always looking for new ones! Cream brown sugar, softened butter and egg in a mixer bowl. Add buttermilk and mix. Then add flour, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Mix thoroughly.