Your comments and tips

30 Mar 17, sue (Australia - temperate climate)

hi plant is getting a brown spot on its leaf then it spreads to the stems & dies can you give me some idea what the problem is thanks

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30 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

What you describe is a fungal disease. When harvesting rhubarb remove any affected leaves and any outer tired or shabby leaves. This will aid good air circulation. Water your plants at the base in the mornings rather than overhead so the plants will not be damp overnight. Discard affected leaves so as not to spread the fungus in the garden. You could also use a fungicide if necessary but good hygiene is always a good practice. Trust this helps.

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14 Mar 17, Joanne (Australia - temperate climate)

Hello, Is Rhubarb available all year round in Australia? I'm from Britain and our climate is pretty "simpler" (lack of a better word) when it comes to planting and harvesting. But I see in Australia the climate varies and i guess so does harvesting time?

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15 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

Rhubarb is generally available all year round from nurseries, garden centres hardware stores like Bunnings and is also often available from community or farmers markets. Most plants available are seedlings and stem colour can be vary from green through to deep red. This doesn't affect the flavour, only the appearance. Add a few drops of cochineal (a natural red colouring) to improve the appearance. Roots are sometimes available in the winter. Check the places mentioned during winter.

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07 Mar 17, Brenda Robinson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

I have just planted some rhubarb seedlings (probably wrong time of year maybe) however, how do I feed the plants and what with. I have put them in a pot and not in the ground, would this hamper the growth.

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08 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Rhubarb has a large root when it is mature and would ideally need a pot abot 20 litres. It also likes cooler conditions so position the pot so it doesn't get the hot sun on the pot. Overall it is easy to grow; just keep the water up.

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08 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

It's okay to plant rhubarb now. Rhubarb often dies back in the winter in cooler areas. It doesn't like a hot position so plant it so that it gets shelter from the afternoon heat if necessary. Rhubarb is a 'gross' feeder which means it likes lots of manure and water to give the best results. A couple of handfuls of Blood & Bone, a shovel full of old manure or a handful of pelletised manure placed in the bottom of the planting hole and covered with a layer of soil before planting will give good results. Most rhubarb that is sold is grown from seed and the resulting stem colour can range from all green to a good red. The flavour will still be the same. To redden it up when cooking add a few drops of cochineal (a natural red colouring) while it is cooking. To avoid adding sugar try using Stevia which is available at many shops. Stevia is a non calorie extract from the Stevia plant and is much better for you. All the best.

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11 Feb 17, Bernadette (Australia - temperate climate)

Can any parts of rhururb plants be given to worms to make into compost or just brake down into the soil. Thank you

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13 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which is toxic to mammals including humans in large amounts. My poultry have been eating the leaves for years and it hasn't affected them. I have added rhubarb leaves to my garden for a long time and the soil is alive with worms. My philosophy is 'if it once lived and can rot, it's okay. I would tear or cut up the leaves before adding them as it may make a barrier hindering up and down movement of the worms if you just put them in in a layer. Trust this helps.

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27 Jan 17, John Ludbrook (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

My rhubarb is growing well and the stalks are at least two fingers thick but don't seem to going red and the leaves are huge, when is the best time to harvest. John

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