Topic: Rhubarb sending up flowers?

[Rhys]

I had a quick look at my rhubarb today and was amazed that there were flower shoots growing already.

The variety is Victoria - from seed - I believe this variety does flower easily but is it normal after only a few weeks since the stalks first emerged?

They flowered last year too - but in late summer and I removed them.

[cleo]

Something is not quite right there-are you sure they are flower shoots?-I`m only asking because that is so odd

[agapanthus]

Mine went into flower very early last season too....I cut them off as soon as I saw them.

[powerspade]

Dont let it flower, cut all flowers off

[jennym]

Last year did seem to be a funny year for rhubarb flowering, think mine did it about June but can't remember exactly. I do remember that a lot of folk on here said the same though. I just cut the flowering stems off, the plants seemed ok.

[cleo]

yes of course cut the flowering heads off-but in March?-I do wonder what is going on

[Tee Gee]

Never had the problem but I am thinking of few things;

One; they are new plants and might not have established themselves yet.

The other thing is we have very mild winters this last two years and they like a bit of frost partricularly if you are forcing them!

That a point have you forced them? i.e covered them with a bucket or similar?

I think next year I would lift them out of the bed and leave them on top of the bed to get frosted a bit, then re-plant them, this might settle them down!

[cornykev]

Guy at work was giving away some rhubarb from his allotment today, I thought it was too early, he said it was early golden whatchermacallit. ?   ;D ;D ;D

[cleo]

One; they are new plants and might not have established themselves yet.

Tee Gee-I think that is the answer-looking again at the original post they were from seed.

So Rhys-don`t crop them this year-let them establish

[Robert_Brenchley]

It is very early, but any strong rhubarb plant is likely to flower if left to itself. Don't let them do it, as the flowers drain energy that you want to go into leaves and stems.