Rhubarb produces its best stalks in June, but while you are enjoying its peak harvest season, be careful. A common problem can cause the plant to stop growing completely unless you perform one simple task now.
Why Rhubarb Bolts and How It Affects Harvest
Those growing rhubarb in their garden will be delighted to learn that early June is typically the prime time to harvest it. The stalks tend to be sweeter and more substantial during this period. However, it is vital to keep a close watch on the plant after a heatwave. Stress from sudden temperature fluctuations can reduce your chances of a bumper harvest.
Rhubarb can start to bolt before summer arrives, meaning it begins producing flowers rather than channelling its energy into its delicious stalks. While extra blooms in the garden might sound appealing, bolting actually causes the plant to divert its energy towards seed production. This leaves any harvest smaller, thinner, and lacking in flavour.
Expert Advice: Saving Your Rhubarb
Holly, a gardener and founder of Budding Homestead, has revealed there is no reason to abandon your rhubarb plant. Saving the stalks is surprisingly straightforward if you act quickly. Holly said: "Unlike your lettuce, it DOES NOT mean your plant is done for, or inedible once you see the flower stalk. Chop those flower stalks back and you will still be on a sweet road to an early summer of rhubarb custard, or a year full of tasty rhubarb orange marmalade and rhubarb liqueur."
How to Get Bigger Rhubarb Stalks in June
Simply cut any flowers from the central stem as soon as you notice them. This should be sufficient to rescue your rhubarb harvest and yield the finest stalks possible. During June, you may not even require shears or scissors to remove the flowers. Any blossom will likely be fragile enough to simply snap off with your fingers.
The only way to rescue rhubarb at this time of year is to catch the flowers as early as possible. Leaving them will divert a great deal of energy from the stalks. Set aside five minutes every few days to check on your rhubarb and remove any flowers. You should be rewarded with far bigger and juicier stalks.
Preventing Bolting and Maintaining Healthy Plants
It is worth noting that rhubarb only bolts once its soil has completely dried out. The plant becomes so stressed that it ceases growing as a survival mechanism. The key to a thriving rhubarb plant is to keep a close eye on the flowers and water it regularly once temperatures begin to climb.
You should also consider mulching rhubarb to keep the roots cool. Weeding around the plant and avoiding harvesting on hot days is advisable, as excessive stress will cause it to bolt once more. Rhubarb is well known for bouncing back remarkably easily, even with minimal effort in the garden. Dedicating just a few moments in June could make all the difference when it comes to securing a bumper harvest.
