How To Tell When Your Rhubarb Is Ripe

Often, ripeness of a vegetable is based on color, age, or even the time of year. With rhubarb, these tests for readiness are not applicable. We’ll tell you when your rhubarb is ready to pick.

tell-rhubarb-ripe

What Not To Look For

There are a lot of ways people use to tell if their rhubarb is ripe that are ineffective and incorrect. Unfortunately, when these methods are used, the harvested rhubarb is not at optimal quality and, in some cases, damage to the plant can result. For these reasons, be aware that you can’t rely on:

Illustration showing a rhubarb plant and a single stalk next to a yardstick, highlighting that measuring the stalk is the only true test for ripeness.
Don’t rely on color or leaves to tell if rhubarb is ripe; measuring the stalk is the most accurate method.
  • Color: Often, folks expect their stalks to turn red when ripe, but some varieties never do this.
  • Planting Date: Just because you planted your rhubarb in April doesn’t mean it is, or isn’t, ripe in June.
  • Leaves: While rhubarb leaves will usually be fully open when the stalks are ripe, this is not a reliable indicator that your plant is ready to harvest.
  • Season: While rhubarb is ripe throughout the spring and summer, there are other factors indicating optimal ripeness.

When Your Rhubarb Is Ripe

So, while you’re ignoring color and age of plant, time of year or condition of leaves, how are you supposed to know when your rhubarb is ripe? It’s simple; just measure.

Rhubarb that is ripe (and ready to pick) is at least seven inches tall, although waiting until it’s ten inches is better. You’ll want to cut or pull your stalks before they reach over 15 inches tall, as well. For the best texture and taste, rhubarb that is between seven and 15 inches high is at its peak.

When You Harvest Too Early or Too Late

Aside from getting immature, unripe rhubarb stalks if you harvest too soon, harvesting early can mean damage to your plant and could cause it to fail. Premature cutting of stalks can result in damaged, decaying stems; this can lead to root rot and even plant death.

Illustration of three rhubarb stalks at different lengths, explaining the effects of harvesting too early, at peak ripeness, and too late.
Harvesting rhubarb between 7 and 15 inches ensures the best texture and protects the plant’s health.

Waiting too long to cut your stalks isn’t good, either. As summer ends and fall begins, your plants need their nutrients and energy to survive the winter. Allowing your rhubarb to grow past peak ripeness will divert the plant’s resources to continued growth of stalks; this could result in the plant dying during the winter.

Knowing when your rhubarb is ripe and ready to harvest is vital to your plant’s well-being, optimal flavor from your stalks, and the plant’s longevity. Keep your tape measure or yardstick handy all summer long and be sure your rhubarb is ripe for the picking!

Text: Nancy Wilson
Artikelbild: Sophie McAulay/Shutterstock

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