This is something I've never seen before in my garden- my rhubarb is flowering. This variety of rhubarb is an old fashioned type, Victoria. I read this type is more prone to bolting. It's quite pretty and could make a nice ornamental but after a little research I discovered this is not a positive thing for the plant. So, I really should cut it back.
Here's why:
- flowering takes up the plants energy
- bolting weakens the plant when it could be storing up carbohydrates to help survive the next winter
- conserving the plant's energy produces more edible produce
- any seeds produced are less than ideal
Course of action:
- cut back the flowering stalks
- fertilize well
- divide large, mature plants up
