seeds

Rhubarb Seedpods

Rhubarb plants will occasionally send up seed stalks with flowers in the middle of the plants. These stalks may not grow on young plants but are common on plants that are 3-4 years old and older. Some varieties of rhubarb are more likely to flower than others. Victoria is known to be a prolific flowering variety. Allowing the plant to complete flowering will reduce the vigor of the plant and shorten its stalk producing season. If the plant is grown as an ornamental the tall stalks of flowers (Victoria has white (greenish)) is quite impressive. But if you are growing rhubarb as a vegetable for the stalks, then the flowers and seed stalks should be cut out as soon as they start forming. The plant may still continue to produce more flower stalks throughout the spring, so keep cutting them. Contrary to popular opinion, rhubarb plants do NOT become poisonous after flowering starts. The leaf stalks can still be cut and used and the leaves themselves should be discarded (composted) as they are always poisonous.


Emerging Rhubarb Flower
photo credit


Rhubarb Flower
photo credit

Rhubarb Sources

Rhubarb can be found in many local home and garden centers, or can be purchased mail order. Listed here are a few of the mail order sources of rhubarb.

  I know that this table is way out of date. Some of these companies no longer sell rhubarb and there some new suppliers that I need to add. I will be fixing this sometime in the future. 

Sources of Rhubarb

Company Rhizomes Seeds Plants Ornamental

Burpee Seed
300 Park Ave
Warminster, PA 18991-001
1-800-888-1447

    

Daydreamer Gardens
Several ornamental rhubarbs.