Ever find yourself staring at what looks like an alien stalk in your rhubarb patch? You’re not alone. Many gardeners are caught off guard when their rhubarb plants start flowering. It’s a natural part of the plant’s life cycle, but it can definitely mess with your plans for a perfect pie.

So, why is your rhubarb flowering? And more importantly, what should you do about it? In this post, we’ll dive into the reasons behind this unexpected phenomenon and share some practical tips to keep your rhubarb focused on producing those delicious, tart stalks we all love.

What Triggers Flowering in Rhubarb Plants?

Here are the key factors that contribute to rhubarb plants flowering:

  1. Variety: Different rhubarb varieties exhibit varying propensities to flower. Heirloom types like Victoria, MacDonald, and Red Crimson are more likely to flower compared to modern cultivars. Understanding your rhubarb variety can help anticipate flowering occurrences.
  2. Age/Maturity of the Plant: Rhubarb plants require a few years to reach maturity before they start reproducing via seeds. Generally, older plants are more prone to flowering compared to younger ones. Hence, the age of your rhubarb plant plays a significant role in its flowering patterns.
  3. Heat/Warm Temperatures: Rhubarbs thrive in cooler climates, and sudden spikes in temperature, especially during warm springs, can trigger flowering. Maintaining optimal growing conditions can help mitigate excessive flowering due to heat stress.
  4. Stress Factors: Stressors such as inadequate watering, pest infestations, fungal infections, nutrient deficiencies, or animal disturbances can induce rhubarb plants to flower prematurely. Ensuring your plant is well cared for and protected from stressors can reduce the likelihood of flowering.

Is it a Mistake to Let My Rhubarb Flower?

First things first, there’s no harm in letting your rhubarb show off its blooms. It’s like that one friend who loves to sing karaoke at every party—harmless but sometimes a bit distracting from the main event. In the case of rhubarb, those flowers are a bit of a diva move. The plant starts focusing all its energy on those flowers and seeds instead of on growing those delicious, tangy stems we all love.

Now, if you’re like most gardeners, you’re all about those stems. That’s where the magic happens—pies, crumbles, jams, you name it! So, the smart move here is to Cut the flowering stalk or stalks as close to the crown as you can get. Snip, snip, and voila!

Here’s a fun fact: even if your rhubarb gets a bit cheeky and decides to flower, the stems are still perfectly good for cooking. So, don’t panic! Just remember, the leaves are still a no-go zone (they’re more toxic than an overplayed breakup song).

Preventing Rhubarb from Flowering and Going to Seed

Alright, time to roll up those sleeves and get to work. Here’s your game plan:

Snip Off the Flower Stalks

First things first, as soon as you see those flower stalks, grab your shears and cut them off at the base. This will redirect the plant’s energy back to producing those delicious stalks we all love. You may have to shove a few of those large leaves out of the way to get down to the crown. If you leave too much of the stalk present, it can rot and, if left unchecked, reach the crown, causing the loss of the plant. Not to mention, slugs and insects may decide to come and munch on the leftover stalk, again causing damage to the plant.

Choose the Right Varieties

Next, you need to figure out why your rhubarb is flowering. If it’s the variety, you might want to consider switching to a modern variety bred to flower less often, such as ‘Victoria’ or ‘Canada Red’. Remember, while flowering can be annoying, it doesn’t ruin your rhubarb plant.

Divide Older Plants

If your rhubarb clump is several years old, dividing it might be a good idea. Dividing essentially turns back the clock on the plant’s maturity and helps reduce flowering. Do this in early spring or fall by digging up the plant and splitting the crown into smaller sections, each with at least one good bud and a portion of the root. Replant these sections about 3 feet apart.

Keep the Plant Stress-Free

If you’re expecting a warm spell, consider mulching around the plant. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps keep the roots cool and retain moisture. Keeping your rhubarb as stress-free as possible is crucial. Ensure consistent soil moisture by watering regularly, especially during dry spells.

Provide Shade in Hot Climates

If you live in a hot area, provide some shade for your rhubarb during the hottest part of the day. Use a shade cloth to protect the plant from excessive heat.

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Jennica Morales is a mother, avid organic gardener, herbalist, and writer deeply rooted in the principles of permaculture design. Living with her husband and four children on a remote off-grid homestead in Payette County, Idaho, she is a firm believer in self-sufficiency and living a simple life close to nature. Jennica dedicates her time to foraging, managing her gardens, chickens, and rabbits, and teaching organic gardening. She leads plant walks and is passionate about educating others on sustainable practices. When she's not out there getting her hands dirty, she enjoys baking with her children, making herbal infusions, and hand-making botanical soaps. Her life seamlessly blends family, farming, and an unabashed love for nature.

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