If you’re growing rhubarb, knowing when to pick rhubarb is the key to a great harvest. Getting the timing right ensures the best flavor and helps your plant stay healthy for years to come.
This guide will walk you through the simple signs to look for. You’ll learn how to tell when those stalks are perfectly ready and how to harvest them the right way.
When Do You Pick Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back every spring. The prime harvesting season is in the spring and early summer. For most regions, this means from April through June.
The exact start date depends heavily on your local climate. Warmer areas might start in late March, while cooler climates may wait until May.
Here’s the golden rule: stop harvesting by mid-summer, around July 4th is a good marker. This gives the plant time to recover and store energy for next year. Pulling stalks too late weakens the plant.
The Visual Signs of Ready-to-Pick Rhubarb
Don’t go by the calendar alone. Your plant will show you when it’s ready. Look for these clear signals before you make your first pick.
- Stalk Length and Thickness: Stalks should be at least 10 to 15 inches long. They should be nice and thick, about the width of your finger or wider. Thin stalks aren’t mature yet.
- Stalk Color: Color varies by variety. Red varieties should be a deep, vibrant red. Green varieties will be a solid green with just a hint of red at the base. The color should be rich, not pale.
- Leaf Development: The leaf attached to the stalk should be fully open and large. Avoid picking stalks with small, still-furled leaves.
How to Harvest Rhubarb Correctly
Harvesting rhubarb isn’t about cutting. The proper technique protects the plant’s crown (the base where new growth emerges).
- Choose the Right Stalks: Start with the largest, outermost stalks. Work your way around the plant, never taking more than one-third to one-half of the stalks at one time.
- Grip and Twist: Firmly grip the stalk down near its base. Gently twist and pull the stalk sideways and away from the plant. It should release with a crisp “pop” at the bottom. If it resists, it might not be fully ready.
- Trim Immediately: Once harvested, immediately cut off the large, poisonous leaf from the stalk. You can compost the leaf. Trim the very bottom of the stalk if it’s discolored.
Never use a knife to cut the stalk from above the soil, as this leaves a stump that can rot and invite disease into the crown.
A Crucial Note on First-Year Plants
If your rhubarb is in its first year of growth, resist the temptation to harvest. It needs all its leaves to build a strong root system.
In the second year, you can harvest lightly for about two weeks. By the third year, your plant is fully established and you can enjoy a full harvest season.
Why You Should Never Harvest Rhubarb in Late Summer or Fall
Stopping your harvest by early July isn’t just an old wives’ tale. It’s essential for plant health.
After mid-summer, the plant’s energy shifts from producing stalks to rebuilding its roots and storing carbohydrates. If you continue to harvest, you steal this vital energy. The plant will enter winter in a weakened state.
This can lead to a much smaller harvest next spring or, in severe cases, the death of the plant. Let those late-season stalks grow; they are the plant’s solar panels for next year’s crop.
What to Do with Your Rhubarb Harvest
Freshly picked rhubarb is crisp and tart. Here’s how to handle it after you’ve brought it inside.
- Washing: Rinse the stalks thoroughly under cool water to remove any soil or debris.
- Storage: For short-term use, wrap stalks in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to two weeks.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Rhubarb freezes beautifully. Simply chop the stalks into 1-inch pieces, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to airtight freezer bags. No blanching is needed.
Troubleshooting Common Harvest Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to common problems.
Thin, Spindly Stalks
This usually means the plant is overcrowded or needs more nutrients. Divide mature plants (every 5-6 years) in early spring or fall. Apply a balanced compost or fertilizer in early spring.
Flowering (Bolting)
If a central flower stalk appears, cut it off immediately at the base. Flowering redirects energy from stalk production. It’s more common in very hot weather or in older plants.
Stalks that are Mostly Green
On red varieties, insufficient sunlight can lead to greener stalks. Ensure your rhubarb gets at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Also, some varieties are naturally greener.
Seasonal Rhubarb Care Timeline
Great harvests come from year-round care. Follow this simple calendar.
- Early Spring: Apply a layer of compost around (not on) the crown. Remove winter mulch as growth begins.
- Spring to Early Summer (Harvest Season): Harvest stalks as described. Water during dry spells.
- Mid-Summer (After Harvest): Stop harvesting. Let the plant grow freely. You can apply a light, balanced fertilizer.
- Fall: After the first frost, the foliage will die back. Cut the dead leaves off and add them to your compost. A light mulch can be applied after the ground freezes.
- Winter: The plant is dormant. No action needed.
FAQ: Your Rhubarb Harvest Questions Answered
Can I pick rhubarb in the first year?
No, you should not. As mentioned earlier, first-year plants need to focus all there energy on root development. Harvesting will stunt their growth.
Is it safe to harvest rhubarb after a frost?
A light spring frost usually won’t harm the stalks. However, a hard freeze can make the stalks mushy. If that happens, it’s best to remove and discard those damaged stalks and wait for new growth.
Why are my rhubarb stalks tough and stringy?
This is often a sign of under-watering during dry periods or harvesting too late in the season. Ensure consistent moisture, especially in late spring, and stick to the spring harvest window.
Can I harvest rhubarb in the fall?
It is strongly discouraged. Fall harvesting severely weakens the plant by depleting its winter energy stores. Always let the plant recover in the late summer and fall.
How do I know if rhubarb is overripe?
Stalks that are very thick, may have a hollow core, or have become limp and less crisp are past their prime. They can also become excessively sour. Stick to harvesting when stalks are firm and of moderate thickness.
By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of crisp, flavorful rhubarb every spring. Remember, patience in the first few years and disciplined harvesting timing are the secrets to a healthy plant that can produce for a decade or more. The perfect time to pick is when the stalks are long, colorful, and firm—your plant will tell you when it’s ready.