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.
