Best Time To Harvest Rhubarb In Maine

Maine’s short growing season means rhubarb should be harvested as soon as the stalks are thick enough for a satisfying crunch. Knowing the best time to harvest rhubarb in maine is key to getting the most out of your plants before the first frost hits. This guide will walk you through exactly when to pick, how to pick, and what to avoid.

Rhubarb is one of the first edible plants to pop up in Maine gardens each spring. It thrives in our cool climate and acidic soil. But if you harvest too early, the stalks are thin and stringy. Wait too long, and they become tough and woody.

Let’s get right into the timing. The sweet spot for harvesting rhubarb in Maine is from early May through late June. For most gardeners, this means you have about 6 to 8 weeks of prime picking. After that, the plant needs to focus on storing energy for next year.

The exact window depends on your specific location within Maine. Coastal areas like Portland or Bar Harbor warm up slower than inland spots like Bangor or Augusta. Southern Maine, near Kittery, often sees harvestable stalks by the first week of May. Northern Maine, around Presque Isle, may not be ready until late May or early June.

Here is a simple rule: start checking your rhubarb plants when the stalks are at least 10 to 12 inches long. They should be about the thickness of your index finger. If the stalks are still thin as a pencil, leave them be for another week.

Another sign is the color. Most rhubarb varieties grown in Maine have red or pink stalks. But don’t wait for full redness. Some varieties stay greenish even when ripe. Focus on thickness and firmness, not just color.

How Temperature Affects Harvest Timing

Rhubarb grows best when daytime temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F. Maine’s spring weather is perfect for this. Once temperatures consistently hit 80°F or higher, the stalks can become tough and the leaves may yellow. This usually happens around late June or early July in most of Maine.

If we have a cold spring with lots of rain, the harvest window might shift later by a week or two. If it’s an unusually warm spring, you might be picking in late April. Pay attention to your local weather, not just the calendar.

One more thing: rhubarb needs a dormant period with cold temperatures to produce well. Maine’s long, cold winters are ideal. That’s why our rhubarb is often sweeter and more tender than rhubarb grown in warmer states.

Signs Your Rhubarb Is Ready To Pick

You don’t need a fancy tool or test to know when to harvest. Just look for these three signs:

Stalk length: At least 10 to 12 inches from the base to the leaf
Stalk thickness: About the diameter of your thumb or index finger
Firmness: The stalk should snap cleanly when bent, not bend limply

If the stalks are still skinny and floppy, wait. If they are thick but feel spongy, you might have waited too long. The best stalks are crisp and snap with a satisfying sound.

Also, check the leaves. Healthy, dark green leaves mean the plant is still growing strong. If leaves start to yellow or wilt, harvest immediately because the plant is shutting down for the season.

How To Harvest Rhubarb Correctly

Harvesting rhubarb is simple, but there is a right way and a wrong way. The wrong way can damage the plant and reduce next year’s crop. Follow these steps for a healthy harvest.

Choose the right stalks: Only pick stalks that are thick and firm. Leave thin, small stalks to grow more.
Grasp near the base: Hold the stalk close to the ground, near the crown of the plant.
Pull and twist: Gently pull the stalk while twisting slightly. It should snap off cleanly at the base.
Never cut with a knife: Cutting leaves a stub that can rot and attract pests. Always pull and twist.
Remove all leaves: Rhubarb leaves are toxic to humans and pets. Cut them off immediately and compost or discard them.

Do not harvest more than one-third of the stalks from any single plant at one time. This ensures the plant has enough leaves to photosynthesize and store energy. If you take too many, the plant will weaken and produce less next year.

For first-year plants, do not harvest at all. Let them establish their root system. In the second year, you can take a few stalks, but not many. Full harvesting should only start in the third year after planting.

How Often To Harvest

You can harvest rhubarb every 7 to 10 days during the peak season. This frequent picking actually encourages the plant to produce more stalks. Just remember the one-third rule each time.

If you have multiple plants, rotate your harvesting. Pick from one plant one week, then another the next week. This gives each plant time to recover.

Stop harvesting by early July in most of Maine. If you live in northern Maine, you might push to mid-July. After that, let the plant grow undisturbed. The stalks will become tough, but that’s fine. The plant needs those leaves to feed the roots for next year.

What Happens If You Harvest Too Late

Harvesting rhubarb too late in the season is a common mistake. The stalks become woody, stringy, and less flavorful. They might also develop a bitter taste. This happens because the plant is putting energy into seed production and root storage, not stalk growth.

Another issue is that late-season stalks often have a higher concentration of oxalic acid. This compound gives rhubarb its tartness, but too much can be unpleasant. It’s not dangerous in normal amounts, but it does affect taste.

If you miss the window, don’t panic. You can still use the stalks for cooking, but you might need to peel off the outer layer. The inner part is usually still tender. Just be aware that the texture won’t be as good as early-season harvests.

Can You Harvest Rhubarb After A Frost

Maine’s weather is unpredictable. A late spring frost can happen even in May. If your rhubarb gets hit by a frost, do not harvest the damaged stalks. Frost-damaged rhubarb can have higher levels of oxalic acid, which can cause stomach upset.

Wait for the plant to produce new, healthy stalks. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Then you can harvest as normal. The plant is hardy and will bounce back quickly.

For fall frosts, stop harvesting completely. The plant needs to go dormant for winter. Cutting stalks in late summer or fall can weaken the plant and reduce survival through our harsh Maine winters.

Storing And Using Your Rhubarb

Once you’ve harvested your rhubarb, you need to store it properly. Fresh rhubarb lasts about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Wrap the stalks in a damp paper towel
Place them in a plastic bag with air holes
Store in the crisper drawer of your fridge

Do not wash the stalks until you are ready to use them. Moisture encourages mold. If you have more rhubarb than you can use, freeze it. Rhubarb freezes well and can be used for months.

To freeze rhubarb:

Wash and chop the stalks into 1-inch pieces
Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer
Freeze for 2 hours until solid
Transfer to a freezer bag or container

Frozen rhubarb is great for pies, crisps, and sauces. You don’t need to thaw it before cooking. Just add it directly to your recipe.

Common Rhubarb Mistakes In Maine

Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with rhubarb. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:

Harvesting too early: Thin stalks mean less flavor and more stringiness. Wait for thickness.
Harvesting too late: Tough, woody stalks that are hard to chew. Stop by early July.
Cutting instead of pulling: Leaves stubs that rot and invite disease. Always pull and twist.
Taking too many stalks: Weakens the plant for next year. Stick to the one-third rule.
Eating the leaves: They are toxic. Remove them immediately after harvest.

Another mistake is not fertilizing after harvest. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder. After you finish harvesting, give the plant a boost with compost or a balanced fertilizer. This helps it store energy for next spring.

Rhubarb Varieties For Maine Gardens

Not all rhubarb varieties are created equal. Some do better in Maine’s climate than others. Here are the best varieties for our state:

Victoria: A classic green-stalked variety. Very productive and reliable in cool climates.
Canada Red: Deep red stalks with good flavor. Tends to be sweeter than green varieties.
Crimson Red: Bright red stalks that are tender and flavorful. Great for pies.
Valentine: An early-season variety that produces well in Maine’s short spring.

Most garden centers in Maine sell these varieties. If you are starting a new patch, plant in early spring as soon as the ground is workable. Rhubarb is a perennial, so it will come back year after year.

When To Plant Rhubarb In Maine

Planting time is just as important as harvest time. In Maine, plant rhubarb crowns in April or early May. The soil should be thawed and workable. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

Rhubarb likes slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, the plant may struggle. You can test your soil with a simple kit from a garden store.

Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart. Rhubarb has large leaves and needs room to spread. Plant the crowns 2 to 3 inches deep, with the buds facing up. Water well after planting.

Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Rhubarb does not compete well with weeds, so keep the area clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to harvest rhubarb in Maine?

The best time is from early May to late June, when stalks are 10-12 inches long and thick as your finger. Stop harvesting by early July to let the plant recover.

Can I harvest rhubarb in August in Maine?

It’s not recommended. August harvests produce tough, woody stalks and weaken the plant for next year. Stick to the spring window.

How do I know if rhubarb is overripe?

Overripe stalks are thick but spongy, with a woody texture. They may also have yellowing leaves. If the stalk bends without snapping, it’s past its prime.

Is it safe to eat rhubarb after a frost?

No, avoid eating frost-damaged rhubarb. The oxalic acid levels can rise, causing stomach upset. Wait for new growth.

Can I harvest rhubarb from a first-year plant?

No, let first-year plants establish their roots. Only start harvesting in the second year, and take just a few stalks. Full harvests begin in year three.

Final Tips For Maine Rhubarb Growers

Rhubarb is one of the easiest crops to grow in Maine. It requires little care once established. Just remember these key points:

Harvest only in spring, from May to June
Pull stalks, don’t cut them
Never take more than one-third of the stalks
Remove leaves immediately
Stop harvesting by early July
Fertilize after harvest

With these tips, you’ll enjoy tender, flavorful rhubarb year after year. Our Maine climate is perfect for this plant, so take advantage of it. Happy harvesting!

If you have more questions about rhubarb care or other Maine gardening topics, check with your local extension office. They have resources specific to your county’s growing conditions.

Remember, the best time to harvest rhubarb in maine is when the stalks are thick and firm, and the weather is still cool. Don’t rush it, but don’t wait too long either. Your taste buds will thank you.