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Now is the prime time for rhubarb harvest and feasting in a variety of dishes. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach advise while flower development is natural for rhubarb the flower stalks should be promptly pulled and discarded. Plants are less productive if they’re allowed to flower and set seeds. After planting rhubarb, it’s best to wait two growing seasons before harvesting any stalks, so that plants can become established and productive.

To harvest rhubarb, grab the base of the stalks and pull up slightly to one side, then cut the stalks at soil surface with a sharp knife. When harvesting stalks, do not remove more than a half of the fully developed stalks from any plant at one time. The cut stalks can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for two to four weeks.

Mid-June is typically the last harvest for rhubarb in Iowa.