How Do You Know When To Pick Rhubarb

You know when to pick rhubarb by checking for a few clear signs, mainly the stalk’s length, thickness, and color.

 

You’ll know exactly when to pick rhubarb once those stalks have reached at least 12 to 18 inches long and feel firm to the touch.

 

Knowing when to pick rhubarb is also about watching the leaves, because once they’re fully unfurled and a rich green, the plant is telling you it’s ready.

 

In this post, we’ll walk through the best time to harvest rhubarb, how to tell if it’s ready, and a few harvesting rules to keep your plant producing all season.

 

So, when to pick rhubarb?

 

Let’s dig into the details so you never pull a stalk too early again.

 

When to Pick Rhubarb: The Key Signs to Look For

The most reliable way to know when to pick rhubarb is to measure your stalks and observe their growth stage.

 

You’ll know when to pick rhubarb the moment those stalks are thick, tall, and the plant looks like a small umbrella canopy.

 

1. Stalk Length Tells You When to Pick Rhubarb

The first thing to check is how long your rhubarb stalks are.

 

You’re looking to pick rhubarb when the stalks reach at least 12 inches long, though 18 inches is even better.

 

Anything shorter than that means the plant is still putting energy into growing roots and leaves.

 

If you’re wondering when to pick rhubarb early in the season, just wait until mid-spring when most stalks hit that 12-inch mark.

 

2. Stalk Thickness Helps You Decide When to Pick Rhubarb

Thickness goes hand in hand with length when figuring out when to pick rhubarb.

 

A stalk that’s at least 1 to 2 inches wide at the base is usually mature enough to harvest.

 

Thin, spindly stalks need more time, so don’t rush to pick rhubarb that looks like pencil lead.

 

You’ll find that you want to pick rhubarb when the stalks feel sturdy and snap cleanly without being woody.

 

3. Color Is a Great Clue for When to Pick Rhubarb

Color varies by variety, but it still tells you a lot about when to pick rhubarb.

 

For red varieties, you want to pick rhubarb when the stalks are deep crimson from top to bottom.

 

Green varieties are ready when they’re a fresh, bright green without any yellow tinge.

 

Regardless of color, you should pick rhubarb when the stalk’s skin is smooth and glossy, not dull or wrinkled.

 

4. Leaf Size Helps You Know When to Pick Rhubarb

The leaves are a hidden gem for deciding when to pick rhubarb.

 

Once those leaves have fully opened and are at least the size of your open hand, it’s a solid signal.

 

Small, curled leaves mean the plant hasn’t matured yet, so hold off on deciding when to pick rhubarb.

 

But remember, you never eat the leaves; they’re poisonous and you’ll want to cut them off right after you pick rhubarb.

 

When to Pick Rhubarb: Timing Within the Season

Knowing when to pick rhubarb also means respecting the calendar and your plant’s yearly cycle.

 

There’s a sweet spot for when to pick rhubarb, and it stretches from late spring through early summer.

 

1. Early Spring Harvest: When to Pick Rhubarb First

Your first harvest window for when to pick rhubarb opens about three to four weeks after the plant emerges from dormancy.

 

In most climates, this is roughly April or May, and you can pick rhubarb for about five to six weeks.

 

During this season, you want to pick rhubarb lightly, taking just one-third of the stalks so the plant recovers.

 

2. Mid-Summer Pause: When to Pick Rhubarb Stops

If you’re wondering when to pick rhubarb over the hot summer months, the answer is you usually shouldn’t.

 

Once temperatures exceed 80°F, the plant slows down and focuses on storing energy.

 

You’ll still see stalks, but they’ll be tougher and less tasty, so it’s best to stop picking rhubarb during peak heat.

 

3. Fall Bonus: When to Pick Rhubarb Again

You can also pick rhubarb in early fall after the heat fades and the plant gets a second wind.

 

If you want to know when to pick rhubarb for a second harvest, wait until September or October in cooler zones.

 

Just pick rhubarb sparingly then, because you need to leave enough foliage for winter root health.

 

How to Pick Rhubarb Without Damaging the Plant

Once you know when to pick rhubarb, it’s just as important to harvest it the right way.

 

1. Use a Pull-and-Twist Motion to Pick Rhubarb

Don’t cut rhubarb with a knife; instead, grasp the stalk near the base.

 

Give it a gentle pull and twist, and it will snap free cleanly from the crown.

 

This method encourages new growth and is the safest way to pick rhubarb every time.

 

2. Always Remove All Leaves When You Pick Rhubarb

The moment you pick rhubarb, cut off the leaves and compost them.

 

Leaves are toxic, but they also sap moisture from the stalks if left attached.

 

Once you pick rhubarb and trim those leaves, store the stalks in the fridge for up to two weeks.

 

3. Stop Picking Rhubarb When Stalks Get Thin

As the season winds down, you’ll notice stalks getting thinner and leafier.

 

This is nature’s way of saying it’s time to stop picking rhubarb.

 

Leave the last few stalks to feed the roots, and you’ll have a stronger plant next spring.

 

So, How Do You Know When to Pick Rhubarb?

You know when to pick rhubarb by checking stalk length (12 to 18 inches), thickness, glossy color, and fully opened leaves.

 

You also know when to pick rhubarb by sticking to the early spring and light fall windows while avoiding summer heat.

 

And you know when to pick rhubarb by using the pull-and-twist method and always removing the leaves right away.

 

Now that you’ve got the timing down, you can head out to your patch and confidently pick rhubarb at its peak sweetness.

 

Happy harvesting, and enjoy every tart, tender stalk you pull this season.