If you decide to remove the magnificent rhubarb flowers, you will encourage the plant to grow more stalks. The following lines explain why this is the case and how you go about it.
Why should you remove the rhubarb flower?
Removing the rhubarb flower encourages the growth of more stalks because the plant then invests its energy into the stalks instead of the flower. The flower should be grasped at the base of the stem with your fingers, turned clockwise and pulled to avoid rot.
That's why the rhubarb blossom is not desirable
The rhubarb plant is primarily interested in multiplying. To this end, it looks pretty in spring to attract essential pollinators. Thanks to their magnificent flowers, the chances of being visited by bees, bumblebees and colleagues are good.
Rhubarb invests all of its energy in the formation of its opulent flowers and the subsequent seed production. The growth of the coveted, refreshingly sour sticks falls by the wayside. Intervention by the gardener is therefore essential, given the short harvest time.
Never cut off the rhubarb blossom
Given the nature of a rhubarb plant, it should not come into contact with a knife at any time. There is a great risk of subsequent rot formation at the interface. This applies to the harvest as well as to the removal of the flower:
- hold the flower at the base of the stem with your fingers
- simultaneously turn clockwise and pull
- do not cut any remaining residue with a knife
If the rhubarb flower is broken out in this way, the wound heals completely independently within a short time. The plant immediately redeploys its energy and the growth of the delicious stems continues.
Rhubarb flower is edible
The enchanting flower is far too good to carelessly dispose of in the compost. Smart hobby gardeners have discovered that it is very easy to prepare. Recipes related to sweet sauces are doing the rounds. It's definitely worth a try.
If you don't trust this version of use, use the rhubarb blossom for decoration in the house. In the vase it will serve as a striking eye-catcher for a long time as long as it is supplied with fresh water every 2 to 3 days.
Blossom does not mark the end of the harvest season
The rumor persists and yet belongs in the realm of fables. It's not the flowering that signals the end of the season, but St. John's Day at the end of June. This fact applies regardless of whether you remove the rhubarb flower or not.
After June 24th, it is recommended to end the rhubarb harvest for two reasons: The plant should regenerate for the next season. The levels of toxic oxalic acid increase in summer. The flower has no connection with this.
Tips & Tricks
If you find it difficult to do without the beautiful rhubarb flowers, just plant Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum). This lavishly flowering ornamental perennial harmonizes perfectly with the other plants in the perennial bed and makes it a little easier to forego flowering on the crops.
