Rhubarb going to seed

[MEL78]

Help needed no matter how quickly I am pulling off the seed heads every other day more are coming.....is there anything I can do.....it quite a substantial mature plant .......

[MKG]

Just keep pulling them off. If they're REALLY insistent, then the plant is probably under stress, so it may be time to think about Playtexing it - lift and separate (well, divide as far as rhubarb's concerned).

But do remember that the whole point of a plant is to go to seed. It isn't abnormal. Just bloody awkward sometimes

Mike

[MEL78]

Thanks Mike its on a plot I took over last year so don't know how old it is , I'll separate it at the end of the year.....however most of the other allotments seem to have the same problem......

[wulf]

It is possible they all came from the same source at the same time (if a previous plot holder divided up rhubarb and shared the roots around). They will certainly have been in fairly similar conditions.

Have you got the plant well fertilised and well watered?

Wulf

[Lawrence]

At least you can get it to grow!
Every time I try, it either just dies or something eats it.
If I had one going to seed, I am pretty sure I would view it as an opportunity to grow a new generation from seed.
I am sure that I read somewhere that each generation of plant adapts further to its environment and therefore performs better.

[boboff]

I agree Lawrence. I planted about 80 from seed a couple of years ago, and this year 1/4 are going to seed, I still have lots of Rhubarb, and now lots of seed coming. Free Seed, whats wrong with that? you just have to have more plants! ( I am lucky in having the room)