Craving that tangy rhubarb pie in early spring? The vibrant pink and green stalks of rhubarb are a welcome sight after a long winter, and this resilient perennial offers a rewarding experience for any gardener. However, knowing *how* to harvest it is absolutely crucial for a continuous supply of delicious stalks year after year. Rhubarb is more than just a pie filling; it’s a testament to patience and proper care.
Rhubarb’s unique flavor, a delightful blend of tartness and slight sweetness, makes it a versatile ingredient in desserts, jams, and even savory dishes. Its early arrival in the gardening season makes it a particularly cherished crop. But growing rhubarb successfully means understanding its growth habits and, most importantly, mastering the art of sustainable harvesting. Picking rhubarb incorrectly can weaken the plant and significantly reduce future harvests.
This guide is your roadmap to mastering rhubarb harvesting. We’ll explore the essential techniques, from selecting the perfect stalks to knowing when to stop harvesting for the season. With the right knowledge, you’ll be harvesting rhubarb the right way, ensuring years of delicious stalks from your garden.
Understanding Rhubarb Growth: A Foundation for Success
Before you grab your basket and head to the garden, let’s delve into the basics of rhubarb growth. Understanding the plant’s structure and how it grows will help you make informed decisions when harvesting.
Rhubarb is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for multiple years, unlike annuals which complete their life cycle in a single season. The visible parts of the rhubarb plant consist of the stalks, also known as petioles, and the leaves. The stalks are the edible part, the part that we transform into delectable treats. The leaves, however, are *not* edible. In fact, they are poisonous and should never be consumed. Below the surface lies the crown, the central growing point of the plant from which the stalks emerge, and a network of roots that anchor the plant and absorb nutrients from the soil.
Rhubarb grows from its crown, using its leaves to capture sunlight and convert it into energy through photosynthesis. This energy is then stored in the crown and roots, fueling future growth. When you harvest rhubarb, you’re essentially removing a part of the plant that contributes to this energy production. Therefore, proper harvesting is crucial to avoid depleting the plant’s reserves. Over-harvesting, especially during the plant’s early years or when it’s already stressed, can severely weaken it, impacting its ability to produce healthy stalks in subsequent seasons. This is why knowing how to pick rhubarb correctly is essential for long-term success.
When to Start and Stop Harvesting Rhubarb: Timing is Everything
Patience is key when it comes to harvesting rhubarb. Don’t rush the process, as the timing of your harvest plays a significant role in the plant’s overall health.
In the first year after planting, it’s absolutely vital to resist the temptation to harvest. The plant needs this initial period to establish a strong root system and develop a healthy crown. Harvesting in the first year will significantly stunt its growth and may even kill it. Allow the plant to dedicate all its energy to root development.
In the second year, if the plant looks strong and vigorous, you can take a light harvest, perhaps just a few stalks. But, again, prioritize the plant’s health over your immediate desire for rhubarb pie. Focus on allowing the rhubarb to establish itself. Look for stalks that are at least ten to twelve inches long before considering them for harvest. This ensures the plant has had sufficient time to develop and store energy.
From the third year onward, you can enjoy a more substantial harvest, assuming the plant remains healthy and robust. However, it’s still essential to be mindful of how much you’re taking. Observe the plant closely. Only harvest if it appears healthy and is producing plenty of new stalks.
Just as knowing when to start is important, knowing when to stop is equally vital. The rhubarb harvesting season typically extends into mid-summer, usually around late June or early July, depending on your climate and the specific variety of rhubarb you’re growing.
After this point, the plant needs time to rebuild its energy reserves for the next growing season. Continuing to harvest beyond this point can weaken the plant, leading to reduced harvests in the following years.
Look for signs that the plant is slowing down. If the stalks are getting thinner, or if you’re seeing fewer new stalks emerging, it’s a clear indication that it’s time to stop harvesting. Leave plenty of stalks on the plant to continue photosynthesizing and replenishing its energy stores. This allows the plant to enter dormancy strong and ready to burst forth again next spring.
How to Pick Rhubarb Stalks the Right Way: Techniques for a Bountiful Harvest
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of harvesting rhubarb. Picking rhubarb correctly isn’t just about getting the stalks; it’s about preserving the plant’s health.
When selecting stalks for harvest, prioritize the thickest ones. These mature stalks are the ones that are ready to be enjoyed. Avoid thin or damaged stalks. Leave these to continue growing and contributing to the plant’s overall health. Never, ever take all the stalks at once. Aim to leave at least one-third to one-half of the stalks on the plant. This ensures that it has enough foliage to continue photosynthesizing and producing energy.
There are two main methods for harvesting rhubarb: the pull and twist method and the knife method. The pull and twist method is generally preferred, as it minimizes the risk of damaging the crown.
To use the pull and twist method, grasp the stalk firmly near the base, close to the crown. Gently pull down and twist the stalk simultaneously. The stalk should detach easily from the crown. If it doesn’t, don’t force it. It might not be ready for harvest yet.
If the pull and twist method proves difficult, or if the stalks are particularly tough, you can use a knife. However, be extremely careful not to damage the crown or other stalks when cutting. Use a clean, sharp knife and cut the stalk at the base, as close to the crown as possible.
Regardless of the method you use, it’s crucial to remove the leaves immediately after harvesting. Remember, rhubarb leaves are poisonous and should never be eaten. Cut off the leaves at the base of the stalk, being careful not to get any of the leaf material on yourself. Compost the leaves. Rhubarb leaves are a fantastic addition to the compost pile, as they break down quickly and add valuable nutrients. You can also dispose of them properly in your yard waste bin.
Post-Harvest Care for Healthy Rhubarb: Nurturing Your Plant
Harvesting is just one part of the equation. Post-harvest care is equally important for ensuring the continued health and productivity of your rhubarb plant.
Watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing provides the plant with the nutrients it needs to recover from harvesting and prepare for future growth. Fertilize in the spring and again after you’ve finished harvesting for the season. Use well-rotted manure, compost, or a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for vegetables.
Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as it decomposes. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, around the base of the plant.
Removing flower stalks is also essential. Rhubarb plants occasionally send up flower stalks. These flowers are pretty, but they take energy away from stalk production. Remove flower stalks as soon as you see them to redirect the plant’s energy back into producing healthy stalks.
Dividing rhubarb crowns every few years can rejuvenate the plant and create new plants. This involves carefully digging up the crown and dividing it into smaller sections, each with its own roots and growing points.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Learning from Others’ Experiences
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when harvesting rhubarb. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Over-harvesting is perhaps the most common mistake. Remember to leave enough stalks on the plant to ensure its continued health.
Harvesting too early, before the plant has had a chance to establish itself, can also be detrimental. Be patient and wait until the plant is mature enough to handle harvesting.
Damaging the crown during harvesting can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. Be gentle and use the correct harvesting techniques.
Neglecting post-harvest care, such as watering, fertilizing, and mulching, can also negatively impact the plant’s health and productivity.
Conclusion: A Harvest of Happiness
Harvesting rhubarb sustainably is more than just picking stalks; it’s about cultivating a long-term relationship with your plant. By understanding the plant’s growth habits, knowing when to start and stop harvesting, using the correct harvesting techniques, and providing proper post-harvest care, you can ensure a bountiful rhubarb harvest for years to come.
Remember the key points: be patient, select the right stalks, use the pull and twist method when possible, remove the leaves immediately, and provide the plant with the water, nutrients, and mulch it needs. Growing rhubarb is a rewarding experience. Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own crop and creating delicious treats from your garden.
Now that you know the secrets to sustainable rhubarb harvesting, get out there and enjoy the fruits (or rather, stalks!) of your labor. Happy gardening!
