What happens if rhubarb flowers

The reason for this is, that, if the plant is left to allow the flower to go to seed, the plant devotes its energy to the seed production, and the development of leaf stalks is hindered. Using pruning shears , cut the flower stalk as close as possible to the main plant at the base, and discard it.

If you do not cut the flower stalk off as low as possible, it may begin to rot and provide a home to slugs and other insects which may in turn damage the rhubarb plants. Scroll down and see what Helen did with the flower stalks from her rhubarb plant! I Love her idea! Thanks for the photo above Marcus! If you are growing ornamental rhubarb , and not using the rhubarb as a vegetable for the stalks, you may wish to leave the flower and ensuing seedpods among the plants.

The tall flower stalks are actually quite impressive, and you would most likely wish to these beautiful flowers to bloom in this case. I came across this amazing photograph above , of gorgeous , cut rhubarb flowers, arranged in vases with rhubarb leaves. These were not ornamental flowers and leaves Isn't this beautiful, and striking? You don't want the plant to be focusing its energy on producing seed - you want it to be focusing on producing soft, delicious stems.

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Purdue Sites. Purdue Extension Sites. Popular Pages. And then, in the fall, mulch your plants with 6 inches of compost or composted manure and leaves. Rhubarb plants produce well for several years, if they are divided every three to five years. Rhubarb suffers from relatively few pests.

With good sanitation, soil aeration and crop rotation, diseases can be largely avoided. The best time to dig and divide large, old rhubarb plants is in early spring or late summer.

Do it soon or wait until September. When you split up the plant, make sure there is at least one strong bud. Plant your new plant in full sun to partial shade in deeply worked rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Throw in some high-nitrogen fertilizer when planting. Two plants is probably enough for most households. After planting, water slowly and deeply, if needed.