RUBARB

[rugbypost]

Not picked a lot this year was out doing a bit this morning and my nighbour asked me for some she could have had the lot But was told years ago never pick after july something to do with the acid in it . And if its picked know it will weaken the crown for next year.fell a bit mean we have been friends for 40 years she gave me the evil eye (LOL) hope she is not out buying a voodo doll and sticking pins in it . My thanks to all who reply soon please the cat wants to go out  to the toilet and he always goes next door. (HA)

[rugbypost]

[Borlotti]

Never heard that one before, but trying to remember the one about blackberries.  Don't make jam after whenever or the witches want them, or whatever. I cooked some rhubard last night, and it is in the fridge, but think it has gone past its sell by date.

[Pescador]

I've eaten plenty of my rhubarb in July and August and am still here.
(If I haven't posted in the next week, don't eat it in September)!!

[rugbypost]

Thanks everyone will tell her to pick what ever she needs  ;D ;D ;D

[irridium]

my lotti friend has allowed me to pick his patch til the end of august (mine's still tiddly little seedlings). he says that they need to rejuvenate with the remaining stems on the crown, and divisions are made v. early in the year every 3-4 years.

[antipodes]

I would be cautious - one member on here did get quite sick last year (if I remember rightly) after scoffing too much late rhubarb. I little may be OK but the plant is now dying back - maybe you could promise her some for spring?

[Obelixx]

This late in the season it's high in oxalic acid which is particularly bad news for people with sensitive tums or gout or arthritis.

Let her have some at her own risk and advise her to have small quantities at a time so eat some and freeze some.

[cornykev]

As said bad for sensitive tums and plant needs the energy for next year.   ::)

[shirlton]

We never pick after July cos ower Tone gets gout and it tends to go stringy anyway

[Digeroo]

I have in the past eaten some new young stems this late without adverse effect but when I was told about the dangers I have not continued.  But the big ones do not look very appetising.  I rather believe it is building up the root at the moment so that it will produce lots of new young stems in the spring.  I certainly would not take more than the odd small stalk.

I think you should firmly tell her to wait till spring.

[delboy]

There's a variety called Livingstone that produces later than most, and certainly into September.
DT Brown sell it.

[powerspade]

Rhubarb reaches its peak in May with me but I continue to pick up to the end of June after that I leave it do its own stuff. I only pick in july and august if I make a spray to kill off pests