Flowering Rhubarb? Don’t panic!

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Flowering Rhubarb? Don’t panic!

March 30, 2011 by outofmyshed

A quick call to the incredibly helpful Ben Asquith at Brandy Carr Nurseries (a specialist Rhubarb grower in Yorkshire) has reassured me that my flowering Rhubarb is nothing more than a cold induced survival technique. Due to the harsh weather this winter, the Rhubarb thinks that it may not survive another season, so it flowers and sets seeds in order to reproduce itself. Gorgeous though the flowers may be, it’s best to cut them off now with a sharp knife or a pair of secateurs so that the plant puts all its energy into producing tasty stems (especially if it’s a young plant). Attempting to flower so early won’t affect the flavour of the Rhubarb either, so I’m lined up for some happy baking this weekend.

Posted in 'How to', Perennials, Plant Nurseries, Rhubarb | Tagged Ben Asquith, Brandy Carr Nurseries, flowering rhubarb, rhubarb, Rhubarb flowers, Rhubarb in flower | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on March 31, 2011 at 11:46 am | Reply Jo Murray

mine’s flowering too – didn’t know it was cold-related.
on March 31, 2011 at 1:29 pm | Reply Esther

Do you want some quince paste and goggles to go with that rhubarb?
on April 3, 2011 at 8:45 pm | Reply The Garden Smallholder

Thanks for the information, much appreciated! Beautiful flowers though, such a shame!
on April 7, 2011 at 6:04 pm | Reply Question about flowering Rhubarb

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on April 23, 2012 at 3:51 pm | Reply Lisa W.

Was glad to read this. Totally explains the flowers on my rhubarb, we had a blast of cold after weeks of warmth. Must go cut those flowers!
- on April 23, 2012 at 3:58 pm | Reply outofmyshed
  
  Hi Lisa, Was really reassured after speaking to Ben. Hope you enjoy your Rhubarb! Thanks for dropping by. Naomi
on April 23, 2012 at 4:35 pm | Reply Linda Mink

I was having problems with flowers on the rhubarb too. I did not know why ? We had a rainy summer last year and a warm winter.We now had a cool spell and I am seeing flowers, I did not even have a chance to pick yet,it still is small, so I will go out and cut off the flowers.I was told if it flowers it is NOT GOOD ?So thank you, I now know that my rhubarb is just fine. Thank You Again !!!
- on April 23, 2012 at 5:53 pm | Reply outofmyshed
  
  Hi Linda, was worried last year that I might not be able to enjoy my much-longed-after Rhubarb. But it went on to grow well and tasted fine!
on May 20, 2012 at 6:56 pm | Reply Chris

Thanks so much, took a pic of mine, was going to take it to the nursery, you have saved me a trip……….Thankyou again…………
- on May 20, 2012 at 7:27 pm | Reply outofmyshed
  
  Hi Chris-glad to have saved you a trip. More time for whipping up a delicious Rhubarb crumble!