By Crossways6
Kent,
United Kingdom 
Good Morning.
Please see photo of our rhubarb plant which is growning well and has done for some years. However, it appears to have grown a 'flower' which is about 5' tall and has grown in about 2 weeks. noone I have asked has seen this before - what can you tell me please. Thank you. Ian Mynott
28 May, 2010
Answers
thank you for your advice. Are these floers unusual as noone I've asked has ever seen them before. Ian
28 May, 2010
No, it just means that the Rhubarb has 'bolted'. Most people try to watch for the flower appearing, and chop it out before it actually gets to this stage. That's why you rarely see them.
It's quite attractive, really, isn't it! Shame it has to go.
28 May, 2010
pull the stem with the flower on out now.
all the other stems will be ok but not the one with the flower on
28 May, 2010
Leaving the fowers on will use up all the plants energy and weaken the plant, the rhubarb stems will be thinner. next time round
28 May, 2010
I dont always remove the flower and there doesnt appear to be any loss of vigour. but I do mulch the plant well with compost from my bins.
28 May, 2010
Good for you SBG I remove any flower stalk as soon as it appears...
28 May, 2010
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Cut the flower out right now or you will not get any more rhubarb this year - cut it off right down at the base of the stalk.
28 May, 2010