- My Rhubarb plants that are 4-5 years old have developed a single large growth in the centre that is much taller than the foliage. What is this and what do I do about it?
Rhubarb is an easy to grow, long lasting vegetable, largely free of pests and diseases. The single large growth you see in the centre of the plant is the flower stalk and usually develops in a plant that is mature, such as the ones you are growing. Towering flower stalks are sent up in early summer with tight clusters of buds that open to pink flowers. You will want to cut off the flower stalk as soon as it appears so the rhubarb can focus plant energy on developing the edible stalks. If you do not cut off the flower stalk, the plant will focus all its energy on producing flowers and seeds, and your edible harvest will be reduced.
To reduce the risk of root rot, cut the flower stalk as low as possible to the ground so that the cut surface will not be so exposed to seasonal rain or standing water. Also, remove any leaves and edible stalks that are limp and yellowing which can attract slugs and snails. Only the stalks of rhubarb are edible so the leaves should be composted as they contain oxalic acid which can be poisonous. Interestingly, the deer in my garden do eat the rhubarb leaves and do not seem to have suffered at all.
Sources
https://www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/rhubarb/grow-your-own
What’s Wrong With My Vegetable Garden – Organic Solutions for All Your Vegetables, David Deardorff & Kathryn Wadsworth, 2011, page 96 “Rhubarb”
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