Another rhubarb question

[sarahkeast]

I have 7 rhubarb plants in my newly planted fruit beds, 3 were from last year, I brought them at village fairs and put them in pots over the winter, the other 4 are from 2 monster crowns I found buried in the back of the jungle that is now my veg garden. I lifted and split them as gently as I could.

So, question; I read that your shouldnt pick from plants in the first year, but they are all massive already, loads of stems, spreading and lengthening each day, more leaf buds showing through, monsters, all of them !

Can I take one or two stems from each plant ? not a big harvest, just enough for the kids and I to enjoy a crumble or fool ? I dont want to weaken the plants, but they look like they are about to take over already. Does the 'dont harvest' rule only apply for small younger plants ?

Thanks

[The Riff-Raff Element]

Personally, and I can't be held responsible ( ) I'd harvest from the four that came from established crowns with impunity. The point of the no-harvest guideline is that it allows a year for the rhizome to stock up with a food reserve; since the established crowns were already large I doubt you'll do them much harm by harvesting a bit.

[Annpan]

I agree :)