When to Harvest Rhubarb

I heard somewhere you can harvest and eat rhubarb in the fall. I thought it could only be harvested and eaten in the spring and early summer. Which is correct?

Rhubarb harvests are limited to about 8 weeks in spring and early summer. This is for the health of the plant, not for any concerns with human consumption. Continual harvesting throughout the season reduces leaf formation and the plant's ability to manufacture and store energy. This energy is needed for winter survival and future production. Some gardeners make one last cutting in fall before the first frost. Do not harvest and eat frost damaged stems. This single fall harvest will not hurt the plant and allows you to have one last taste of rhubarb before the snow flies.

Related

Audio

Strawberry Celebration Days

Audio

Flowering and Leaf Spots on Rhubarb

Audio

Holes in Leaves of Rhubarb

Audio

A Bit of Rhubarb History and Care