can anyone help???? really needing help here.....please?!?!

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houseplntjunkie Utica, MI(Zone 6b) Jun 14, 2005

I have a rhubarb plant that is now two years old... when i bought it it said on the tag, Will produce in second season... i think it was something like that... Now i have been patient until now. I know it should be ready in june but when??? It really is not turning red, do all varieties of rhubarb turn red when done?? My mom seems to think there are varieties that stay greener..Is this true???? I planted it so i could make grandma's famous rhubarb custard pie and i keep waiting and waiting it seems the waiting will never end...please can anyone help me????

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Debsroots Northwest, MO(Zone 5a) Jun 14, 2005

The rhubarb plant I have has the green stems. I tend to believe that there must be one that has the red stems as well. I have harvested mine and have enjoyed two rhubarb custard pies...and have enough frozen for one more pie. Anyone else out there know more about this than me?

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houseplntjunkie Utica, MI(Zone 6b) Jun 14, 2005

I havent yet thought about harvesting or how to do it.... Just cut with a sharp knife at the base, do you leave any behind?? guess i should have found this out before now. thank you so much for youre quick response... I have only bought in stores and farm stands and such, red red rhubarb. I had no idea what to do with the seed things that came from the middle of it, we cut them off cause i thought that might be drawing energy from the useful part of the plant. i hope i didnt mess up.......

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Kathleen Panama, NY(Zone 5a) Jun 14, 2005

Most rhubarb has green stems like your's, although there are some varieties such as Valentine that have very red stems. Some also will blush more than others.

To harvest, just grasp down near the ground and give a good pull. Cut the leaves off and leave them under the plant for mulch. the seed heads should be pulled out until you're done harvesting and then you can let them blossom if you like, they have a very interesting flower. The only secret as to when to harvest is to let the stems get large enough to be useful, and the secret as to when to stop is when you have pulled about 1/3 of the stems with a young plant and up to 1/2 when your plant is more mature. The stems will become quite woody as the weather gets hot and aren't really to palatable.

You can also mow the rhubarb off around the beginning of July and it will come back so you can have a small harvest in late summer. I wouldn't reccomend this with a plant as young as your's, but after next year, it will probably be fine.

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houseplntjunkie Utica, MI(Zone 6b) Jun 14, 2005

It has been really hot in the last 2 weeks, upwards of 85-90 degrees.... I hope it hasnt.....ohhhnooo...do i have to take it now or now do i have to wait again?? shoot i should have posted this ? earlier....thank you for youre advice...Abbie

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