Rhubarb, Rhubarb - advice needed please

[herewegoloopyloo]

I planted some rhubarb seedlings/shoots out a month or so ago and covered with an old open chimney pot to 'force' it, as was advised. It has grown quite well and has maybe 4 good stalks growing well. However, I have now been told you shouldn't pick any stalks for the first year. Is that right? And if so, do I just leave it (in chimney pot) and let it die back or do I need to do anything? And will leaving it encased in chimney pot stop it spreading/growing (I want lots!)? Advice please!

Hi herewego, I haven't grown rhubarb myself but had a quick look around online for you and apparently that is true as the food from the leaves is needed to nourish the roots for the next year's growth. Have a look at this there's loads of info about growing rhubarb, which you might find useful.

Amy

Hi herewego, I've been growing it for about 12 years and it is huge now; I would definitely not pick it the first year, and make sure not to pick it all for the first three or so (just leave some shoots on for the whole season). I still leave a few each year (and it is almost 2 metres or so wide at the base!). hth

That's helpful, thanks. Will leave it alone this summer. Any ideas if should leave it encased in chimney pot or, given that, I wont be picking much for a couple of summers, I should just let it run free?!

Take the chimneypot off and give it some manure. It needs light to strengthen the roots. The manure will feed it now and you should get a bigger crop next year.

Also, come October it will look as though it has died, at this point throw some more manure on it and next spring you will be rewarded with a big, strong plant.

Second taking the chimney pot off, needs full sun if possible.

Cat are the stalks still growing larger? And are there a lot more of them than last year? I ask because I gave my mum some to start at her place and she has less sun exposure, so hers just grew up a little later in the year than most. Also gave some to a friend who had very sandy soil and hers stayed spindly until she added compost and voila!

Perhaps they are just young, or could use some type of compost or manure? They do best with a good amount of sun, but I know they will come later on with less of it.

hth

Bet it's the sun then. Compost is definitely worth a shot for next year, but the sun will make a lot of difference. It may come along, good luck!