Last date for picking rhubarb?

[Primrose]

Is there one? After splitting and moving a plant two years ago and some initial sulks, both are now still cropping prolifically. Will I weaken them if I continue to pick, or is there a generally accepted practice of picking until the stalks keel over at the end of summer?

[Johnboy]

Hi Primrose,
I suspect that it is a case of the more you pick the more you get. If you have picked and there are young stalks still available I would pick until the end of this month. At the end of the month give the plants a good feed and allow them to die back naturally.
Mark where they are and early next year pop a 2 gallon bucket over the top for your first feed of next season.
JB.

[Primrose]

Thanks Johnboy. In previous years my crops have often dictated their own "Pick By" date, possibly because of dry weather, but I suspect all the rain we've been having this year has really caused them to flourish. Yes, I do usually cover the roots over. Nothing like the first picking of forced rhubarb to make you feel that Spring is on its way again !

[Parsons Jack]

I was only wondering the same thing this morning, then I thought sod it, I'll pick it anyway. Shame to waste it

[Johnboy]

Hi PJ,
It is by no means a hard and fast rule about Rhubarb.
You had the perfect solution!
JB.