Can I harvest rhubarb after it has seeds growing at the top of each stalk? They are already full of seeds in May. And now I'm not sure how to treat the plant. This is the 2nd year growth.
If it's already gone to seed, the plant has bolted and really won't taste that great. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/harvesting-rhubarb.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/what-is-bolting-what-it-means-when-a-plant-bolts.htm
I have a rhubarb plant that hasn't done well in years past. It starts out good then insects start to eat the leaves and it dies back. Last fall I used 12-12-12 fertilizer and it is growing very well this year. It shot up three large stocks with seed flowers that I let go to see what would happen. The plant looks very healthy and large. Have I cured my problems by feeding it? When is the best time to cut the stems to make jam from it? The stems are green, not red, never did get red.
Yes, likely the fertilizer did give it what it needed. You can fertilize in the spring.
Rhubarb can be fertilized when the stems get to be about a foot tall and you can keep harvesting (though don't take all the leaves) until late June.
There are some varieties of green rhubarb. The stems don't turn red when ripe or anything, so if yours always stay green, you may have a green variety.
My rhubarb leaves are turning purple and the stalks are very small. Can you tell me what the problem is and what to do about it?
This article will help with growing rhubarb: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/grow-rhubarb.htm
My plants don't have any color to the stems.
When the stalks start turning red or magenta in color, it means that the rhubarb is ripe and ready for harvest. In addition, their size should be around 10 inches or so. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/harvesting-rhubarb.htm
Is the plant still worth harvesting, and can it still be eaten being 5 feet tall?
It can be harvested, but you may find the stems to be a little tough. There is no harm in trying though.
I live in Arkansas on the western border at the foot of the Ozarks. Being in the Arkansas River Valley, it gets quite warm. Will rhubarb grow in this area?
Yes. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/grow-rhubarb.htm
What could be eating my rhubarb leaves? It's not insects or snails.
It is likely slugs. They come out at night and are rarely seen on the plant during the day. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm