can i harvest rhubarb in august

Can I Harvest Rhubarb in August? Everything You Need to Know

Rhubarb is a unique vegetable that produces edible stalks and toxic leaves. It’s a cold-hardy perennial that can be grown in most climates, producing tart and tangy stalks perfect for pies, jams and more. But when’s the best time to harvest those tasty stalks? Can you still pick rhubarb in August? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is not technically a vegetable, but rather a vegetable-like perennial plant. The stalks are edible and have a tart, sour flavor. The leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and are toxic – never eat rhubarb leaves.

Rhubarb is typically grown as a spring crop, producing succulent greenish-red stalks beginning in early spring. It can be used raw or cooked in both sweet and savory dishes. Popular uses include pies, cobblers, preserves, and chutneys.

Rhubarb thrives in cooler climates. The plants go dormant in summer heat and recover in fall to store energy for next year’s growth. Rhubarb crowns can live up to 10-15 years when properly cared for. There are both early and late season rhubarb varieties to extend the harvest window.

When Does Rhubarb Season Start?

The early spring months are peak season for rhubarb harvesting. Here’s a general rhubarb harvesting timeline:

• Newly planted rhubarb should not be harvested at all the first year. This prevents weakening the young crowns.

• For established plants, begin light harvests when stalks reach about 10 inches long, usually by April or May depending on your climate.

• Peak harvest period is mid spring into early summer, approximately May to early June. Stalks are most tender and abundant during these months.

• Stop harvesting rhubarb completely by mid to late June. This gives plants time to recover before going dormant.

So the prime rhubarb harvesting window is generally April through June. But can you still pick rhubarb after June and into August? Let’s find out.

Can You Harvest Rhubarb in August?

The good news is rhubarb stalks can technically be harvested all the way until fall. The stalks remain perfectly edible through summer and even into August.

However, there are a few important factors to consider when harvesting rhubarb in late summer:

• Only harvest lightly – never harvest all stalks from the plant. Leave at least 1/3 of stalks behind so the plant can recover.

• Pick selectively – choose the largest, thickest stalks and leave smaller, thinner stalks to continue maturing.

• Stop harvesting weakened or stressed plants.

• Water rhubarb plants well after late summer harvests.

• Never harvest after August so plants can fully recuperate before going dormant.

So while August rhubarb harvesting won’t kill the plant, it’s best to stop by mid-summer. Here’s why:

Reasons to Stop Harvesting Rhubarb in Mid-Summer

Even though late summer rhubarb stalks are still edible, there are good reasons to cease harvesting by June or July:

• Frequent picking stresses the plant. The stalks provide energy and nutrients for crown growth.

• Young tender stalks need time to bulk up before winter dormancy.

• Plants require weeks of uninterrupted growth to recover before going dormant.

• Stalks become thicker, tougher, and stringier as summer progresses. Spring and early summer stalks are more tender.

• Overharvesting year after year damages the plant long term. The crowns have limited energy reserves.

For best plant health and sustainable harvests every year, stop harvesting rhubarb no later than July. Occasional light August harvests won’t kill the plant, but repeatedly harvesting too late reduces winter hardiness and yields over time.

Proper Rhubarb Harvesting Technique

It’s important to harvest rhubarb properly to minimize harm to the plant:

• Grasp the stalk at the base and pull up gently in one smooth motion. Never cut the stalks.

• Trim the leaves and discard – never eat the toxic leaves.

• Always leave at least 1/3 of the stalks behind for the plant to recover.

• Allow 8-10 weeks between harvests for the plant to recoup energy.

• Water and fertilize after harvest to nourish the plant.

With careful harvesting, you can enjoy homegrown rhubarb spring through summer. Just be sure to lay off by mid-summer so your plants return year after year.

Storing and Preserving Rhubarb

Rhubarb freezes well for long term storage. Simply chop stalks, spread on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to airtight bags or containers. Frozen rhubarb will keep for up to 1 year.

You can also can rhubarb or make sweet rhubarb syrup. These allow enjoying rhubarb all year round.

Rhubarb also dehydrates well. Dried rhubarb pieces can be used like raisins in baking. They make a tangy, sweet addition to oatmeal, cereals, yogurt, and more.

Consider planted a late season rhubarb variety like Victoria if you want to extend your rhubarb harvest into July. Otherwise, limit August harvests and let your plants fully recoup before going dormant for the year. With proper care, they’ll provide bountiful spring harvests for years to come.