The emergence each Spring of the first Rhubarb leaves is always a happy moment for me. They initially push through the surface of the soil encased in a streamlined papery casing, which bursts apart to allow the deeply-wrinkled, tightly-folded leaves to unfurl.
Looks almost like a brain, doesn't it?
I find this process fascinating, so I'll probably be posting more photos of it over the next week or two!
like an alien growing out of the soil... so weird but so delicious... Rhubarb is such a favourite in Belleau Kitchen and it's all 'stolen' from my neighbour Tracey's plant that grows between our two houses... delicious!
ReplyDeleteJust when I thought ‘brain’ then I saw your next sentence!!
ReplyDeleteDo so love rhubarb...
I find their weird way of emerging very strange. I planted my first rhubarb last year. I'm hoping to get harvests this year, but I know nothing about when or how much I should. I guess I'll eventually figure it out.
ReplyDeleteA very under appreciated and versatile vegetable.
ReplyDeleteShame you couldn't time lapse it emerging. I have two lots of rhubarb - the one at the allotment is fully out and growing well - the one at home is only just showing nubs (good word).
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating! I love rhubarb pie, but I don't see it around here. It may not like such a hot climate.
ReplyDeleteRhubarb doesn't die back in the same way here so we don't get the fabulous unfurling that you've photographed. Well I'm sure we do its just thats its hidden under all the other leaves.
ReplyDeleteIt does look rather "alien" doesn't it? I am not a fan of rhubarb,; growing up in Kentucky, we had it, and when I moved to Florida, it is something I haven't missed. I must be in the minority, though, as I hear lots of folks wanting to eat rhubarb pie.
ReplyDeleteMy Grammy grew Rhubarb all the time!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking I was looking at the birth of a brain too...so great minds think alike.
ReplyDeleteI hate to say it, but I don't eat rhubarb because I 'think' I don't like it. Obviously I've had a childhood experience that's stayed with me. Maybe its time to give it another chance now that I'm all 'growed up' :D
Hi Mark. Last years rhubarb did indeed die. I don't think it was a strong root. There was no sign of it when I planted the plant I bought to replace it. The new plant is already about ten times the size that last years grew at its biggest. I cannot wait to get rhubarb. Where I grew up in Ontario, moms made rhubarb and strawberry pies. They were awesome. I can't wait to try it again. Enjoy your beautiful plant Mark. Thanks for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteRhubarb crumble and ice cream is soon to be on the menu! My rhubarb is coming along nicely.
ReplyDeleteI've grown rhubarb in a container for the last few years. It's been waiting to be planted out on the plot but I haven't got round to it yet. I've read that it can be successfully grown in a container, but my plant is very weak and spindly so I don't take anything from it. I'm hoping that it will thrive once it eventually gets planted out.
ReplyDeleteThat's a plant I need to add - I love strawberry rhubard pie!
ReplyDeleteThat was really poetic until you mentioned the brain bit!
ReplyDelete