Picking my rhubarb

Question

My rhubarb does not have a red color throughout. The stalks look healthy and are getting tall, but why do they not have a red color? Does that mean they will not have a decent taste and are lacking in something or does that mean they are late ripening. They get flowers and I pick them off.

Answer 1

It depends on the variety. Some varieties should be red when harvested, while others should be harvested when green because the stalks never turn red. It is possible that you have a non-red variety. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/harvesting-rhubarb.htm

If you keep having to pick off flowers, then your rhubarb has bolted. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/rhubarb-bolting.htm