Rhubarb departed
Written by: adekun on 8 August, 2008 8:59 am - Filed under: food ?
Since late summer last year I’ve been nurturing two dozen rhubarb seeds. The first twelve were sown directly with about a third germinating. They didn’t flourish. The remainder was put into a module tray in the spring. Again only about a third made it to the surface, of which two developed into something worth transplanting. Both were promptly devoured. One was strong enough to spawn another set of leaves. However, I think the strong sunlight coupled with a bottle cloche were too much. It doesn’t look like it’s going to make a recovery this time. I am quite upset. 
Cinj
8 August, 2008 #
Hang in there. In my experience (limited though it is) rhubarb is pretty hearty. If it has good roots it will be back. It may take some time to recover though. Don’t expect much the first couple of years either, but once it’s established you may find that you have more rhubarb than you know what to do with!
Good luck with your rhubarb growing adventures!
adekun
8 August, 2008 #
Thanks for the encouragement. Guessed it had enough down below for another chance before and will wait and see…
The frustrating thing as you mentioned is the time is takes. Rather like asparagus it takes even longer from seed. I was hoping if one made it, I could in time build up a stock from the roots. At least I got to see some green leaves and red stems.
TopVeg
11 August, 2008 #
Oh dear - sounds difficult. Are you allowed to import crowns? That would speed the job up. You cannot beat a crown of Yorkshire rhubarb!
adekun
11 August, 2008 #
I’ve had a glance over some customs papers. I didn’t get any conclusive answers and soon got bored. Things like rhubarb probably need quarantining, fees and paperwork. No doubt you can if you’re really keen. Perhaps I can order some and leave that to someone else. I guess you’re in the Rhubarb Triangle?
kevin
29 August, 2008 #
i suddenly feel stress about our rhubarb. We planted about 15 seeds this spring, each time in a group of three so that they would compete and only the strong ones would survive. We have three nice looking plants right now - nothing we can eat yet, but we thought maybe next year or the year after. Reading your post though I worry if I am not overly optimistic.
adekun
29 August, 2008 #
With the worst of the summer heat over, I reckon your plants stand a much better chance.
Perhaps if I’m still short on rhubarb in a few years I can pester you for a cutting. The upcoming weather is more like Yorkshire…