Troubleshooting
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb problems — and how to fix them
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum 'Glaskin's Perpetual') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Variable seedlings
Seed-raised plants can vary in vigour and stalk colour. Grow several and keep the strongest, most productive crowns; discard weak or quick-to-bolt individuals.
Bolting
It can run to flower in its first year or under stress. Remove flower spikes at the base promptly so energy goes into stalks rather than seed.
Crown rot
Waterlogged winter ground rots the crown. Plant on free-draining soil or a mound and keep the crown's centre clear of heavy wet mulch.
Over-picking young plants
Harvesting too hard in the first year weakens the crown. Take only a few stalks until the plant is well established, then pick over its long season.
Prevent glaskins perpetual rhubarb problems before they start
Most glaskins perpetual rhubarb issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for glaskins perpetual rhubarb in general rather than its problems? Read the full glaskins perpetual rhubarb care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb problems — FAQ
Why is my glaskins perpetual rhubarb variable seedlings?
Seed-raised plants can vary in vigour and stalk colour. Grow several and keep the strongest, most productive crowns; discard weak or quick-to-bolt individuals.
Why is my glaskins perpetual rhubarb bolting?
It can run to flower in its first year or under stress. Remove flower spikes at the base promptly so energy goes into stalks rather than seed.
Why is my glaskins perpetual rhubarb crown rot?
Waterlogged winter ground rots the crown. Plant on free-draining soil or a mound and keep the crown's centre clear of heavy wet mulch.
Why is my glaskins perpetual rhubarb over-picking young plants?
Harvesting too hard in the first year weakens the crown. Take only a few stalks until the plant is well established, then pick over its long season.