Don't cut those rhubarb stalks! Here's why it's a bad idea, and how to harvest rhubarb the right way.
How to Harvest Rhubarb the Right Way (Hint: Don’t Cut It!)
Updated on Jun. 07, 2021
That rhubarb in your garden is ready—so what’s the best way to harvest? Depending on where you learned how to harvest rhubarb, you might assume that it’s fine to simply cut the stalks off. But wait! Harvest rhubarb the right way—it’s easy to do and best of all, it benefits the plant. (Psst! Learn how to grow rhubarb in your own backyard.)
Leave that knife in the drawer. It’s all about the pull and twist! When stalks are sliced off with a knife, the part of the stalk left behind withers away… and that’s it. In contrast, twisting and pulling off the stalk allows it to separate from the bottom of the plant near the roots. This tells the plant to regrow a new stalk in its place, giving you a more fruitful harvest and a healthier rhubarb plant.
How to Harvest Rhubarb
Find a stalk on your rhubarb plant that’s ready to be picked. Grasp the stalk near the bottom. Lean it to the side and in one motion gently twist and pull the stalk up. The stalk will pop and separate from the rhubarb plant at the root, and come cleanly away.
The twisting and pulling motion should be gentle. If the rhubarb stalk doesn’t come away immediately, grasp it lower and try leaning it in the other direction. If you find that the whole plant is coming out of the ground when you pull the stalks, pack it more firmly into the soil around the roots.
Remember that only the rhubarb stalks are edible, so cut off the rhubarb leaves and discard them.
When to Harvest Rhubarb
Give new rhubarb plants at least a year before harvesting for the first time. When you’re looking at the stalks, the color doesn’t indicate readiness, so don’t worry if your rhubarb stalks are not completely red. Instead, look at the length. The stalks are ready to harvest when they’re between 7 and 15 inches long.
The best time to harvest rhubarb is during the months of May, June and early July. After this, it’s best to let the plant be, so it can regrow and recharge to survive the winter. You can cut the flower stalk away before it blooms to help extend the harvesting season.
When you’re gathering your rhubarb, remove no more than two-thirds of the plant. You want to be sure there’s some left to grow back next year!
Now that you know the correct way to harvest rhubarb, gather an armload, stash some in the freezer for later on and then cook up your favorite comforting rhubarb recipe!
Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeUpside-down cakes always bring a little wow factor to baking, but this rhubarb upside-down cake brings some surprises too. It’s juicy, tart, sweet and a world away from everything you probably expect from rhubarb.
Cherry Rhubarb CrunchMy husband's grandmother gave me this recipe, along with a bundle of rhubarb, when we were first married. I had never cared for rhubarb, but after trying this dessert, I changed my mind. Now my children dig in, too! —Sharon Wasikowski, Middleville, Michigan
Strawberry Rhubarb PieWhile growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this strawberry rhubarb pie recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa
Rhubarb CrispMake rhubarb crisp with strawberries in spring and apples in fall to enjoy a simple, year-round dessert.
Strawberry Rhubarb Dump CakeIt always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado
Rhubarb TartThe rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Rhubarb Strawberry CobblerMom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweet and tart, chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and the thick crust is so easy to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeI prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
Chunky Rhubarb ApplesauceOur backyard was filled with rhubarb when I was growing up in Illinois, and my mom would always add some to her applesauce. We liked ours tart, but you can adjust the sugar to your taste and depending on the tartness of your apples.
This applesauce isn't my only memory of rhubarb...I still remember us kids eating it raw - after we sprinkled it liberally with salt!
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeAlthough my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
Flavorful Strawberry-Rhubarb JamStrawberry rhubarb jam will become your go-to summer treat following the spring rhubarb season. Fortunately, jarred rhubarb jam with strawberries can keep for up to two years, so you can enjoy it all year long.
Rhubarb MuffinsYou'll want to grab those bright-pink rhubarb stalks at the market for these rhubarb muffins with a pecan-cinnamon topping. One batch of these muffins is the perfect way to welcome spring.
Lemon Rhubarb Tube CakeFor a taste of summer, try this dessert. The cake's fresh lemon flavor and tart rhubarb topping are so refreshing. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry PieWhile growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin, red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa
Rhubarb Icebox DessertA light and fluffy marshmallow layer tops the tart rhubarb filling in this delicious make-ahead recipe. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Rhubarb DumplingsI love to try new recipes. When I served these at a recent family gathering, I got lots of compliments. —Elsie Shell, Topeka, Indiana
Easy Rhubarb RelishI remember eating this relish at my grandmother's over 50 years ago. My mother made it for years and now my daughters make it. The relish complements any meat, but I find it a must with meat loaf. —Helen Brooks, Lacombe, Alberta r
Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie"Slab pie" is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut in slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rhubarb Strawberry CrunchGarden-fresh rhubarb is put to great use in this easy recipe. It's wonderful with ice cream. —Barbara Foss, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Homemade Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeThis light and airy yellow cake is moist but not too sweet, and the caramelized rhubarb topping adds tangy flavor and visual appeal. We like it served with strawberry ice cream. —Joyce Rowe, Stratham, New Hampshire
Old-Fashioned Rhubarb TorteRhubarb is probably one of the hardiest plants, especially in northern states like mine. It has a tart taste to it, which we really enjoy in our family. Every time I've served this torte to someone who's never had it before, I wind up writing out the recipe for them - and it's my pleasure to share it!
Strawberry-Rhubarb MuffinsStrawberry-rhubarb muffins might just be our favorite baked treat to celebrate the sweet-tart flavors of the late spring and summer harvest.
Strawberry Rhubarb CreamA friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Rhubarb Custard CakeRhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don't bother! Of all the desserts I've tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Sour Cream Rhubarb PieA hint of orange flavor and a nice blend of spices complement the tangy rhubarb. I like to serve the pie while it's still warm. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia
RhubreadWe moved into a house with a yard of fresh rhubarb. To use some of those ruby stalks, we made rhubarb bread with cinnamon and pecans. —Erika Elliott, Panola, Illinois
Granny's Rhubarb PieThis recipe originated with my grandmother, who baked many different rhubarb desserts. This was always a favorite of mine. —Blanche Baninski Minto North Dakota
Rhubarb SconesMy grandfather grows rhubarb and gives us a generous supply. The tartness is similar to a cranberry—perfect for tossing into a scone. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Pink Rhubarb PunchRhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio
Rhubarb BarsIf you love rhubarb, these rhubarb bars are a must-try. They complement the tart springtime staple with walnuts, coconut and an easy, shortbread-like crust.
Rhubarb CookiesForget rhubarb pie (for now); here's another way to enjoy rhubarb! Our contest-winning rhubarb cookies recipe contains rhubarb and shredded coconut and is topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting that makes the treat even more irresistible. The recipe is simple to follow, and the cookies bake in just ten minutes. How's that for wonderful?
Rhubarb BreadRhubarb bread is the perfect recipe for springtime, when rhubarb ripens. If you're not familiar with rhubarb, it has a tart flavor that combines wonderfully with sweet treats.
Pineapple-Rhubarb JamRhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania
Rhubarb CrumbleOur rhubarb crumble is filled with a unique combination of bright pink rhubarb stalks, fresh strawberries and apples.
Refreshing Rhubarb Ice CreamNo matter where my military family is stationed, this ice cream always makes me think of my parents’ backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii
Strawberry-Rhubarb CobblerThis strawberry-rhubarb cobbler hits all the marks. It's loaded with fresh seasonal fruit, it balances tart and sweet, and it's even easier than pie!
Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down CakeI had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin
Rhubarb Nut MuffinsMuffins are my weakness! When I make these to take to a gathering, I always come home with an empty plate. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, Minnesota
Blueberry-Rhubarb CrumbleA dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a little flavored coffee creamer on top instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Coconut Cheesecake & Rhubarb CompoteI took my daughter’s love of cheesecake plus my mom’s love of coconut and rhubarb and ran with it. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin
Apple-Rhubarb BreadRhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to have all year. Here’s how my mother used rhubarb – in an apple bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Shortcake with Fresh Rhubarb SauceEvery spring when her rhubarb was ready, my mother-in-law chopped it up for this moist cake. If your rhubarb is too tart for the sauce, just add in some strawberries. —Rena McCalment, Sharpsville, Indiana
Caramel Rhubarb CobblerI came up with this recipe after hearing a friend fondly recall his grandmother's rhubarb dumplings. My son especially likes rhubarb, and this old-fashioned dessert lets those special stalks star.
-Beverly Shebs, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Raspberry Rhubarb JamI love making and enjoying this jam, but I usually end up giving most of it away! It's always a well-received gift. —LaVonne Van Hoff, Rockwell City, Iowa
Rustic Fruit TartMy husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan
Rhubarb Mandarin CrispAn attractive dessert, this crisp is also a popular breakfast dish at our house, served with a glass of milk rather than topped with ice cream. Because it calls for lots of rhubarb, it's a great use for the bounty you harvest. —Rachael Vandendool, Barry's Bay, Ontario
Berry Rhubarb FoolA "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Rhubarb Mallow CobblerMy mom used to make this cobbler every year when I was growing up. Now we take fresh rhubarb to my son in Texas so he can share this recipe with his family. —Judy Kay Warwick, Webster City, Iowa
Rhubarb Berry Coffee CakeI rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's great all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa
Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb SauceThis tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeOur strawberry rhubarb coffee cake is a slice of spring. Serve it at room temperature with a cup of coffee or warm with ice cream and a glass of dessert wine.
Rhubarb Cranberry CookiesI like the sudden hit of sweetness when you bite into the white chips. It really complements the tart flavor from the rhubarb and cranberries. —Elaine Scott, Lafayette, Indiana
Rhubarb Coffee CakeStart your day off right with this sweet, tart and crumbly rhubarb coffee cake. You can throw it together (with fresh rhubarb!) in the morning and enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee less than an hour later.
Strawberry-Rhubarb PieStrawberry-rhubarb pie is the best way to celebrate the coveted summer season of fresh strawberries and rhubarb.
Cherry Rhubarb JamThis tangy sweet spread is "jam-packed" with lots of cherry flavor, plus a hint of rhubarb. My mother gives jars of it to friends during rhubarb season—it's so delicious on toast and muffins. —Faye Sampson, Radcliffe, Iowa
Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream DessertA neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I created my own variation using garden-fresh rhubarb and strawberries. The shortbread crust and creamy sweet-tart layers went over big at a family party—not a crumb was left! —Sara Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
Almond Rhubarb CobblerIn spring, I frequently make this tangy biscuit-topped treat.—Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
Rosy Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeHere’s a cake that gets its rosy hue from the rhubarb topping. It’s moist on top and light as a feather on the bottom. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Rhubarb Fool with StrawberriesA fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Blueberry Rhubarb Country TartWhen the rhubarb comes in, mix it with blueberries for a rustic and bubbly tart. Offer it to a friend with a warm cup of tea. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip CakeMy friend Dave always brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to work to celebrate his birthday. He’d use up rhubarb growing in the yard and treat his co-workers. —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Rhubarb Cheesecake SquaresIt’s rhubarb season, so now’s the time to try this rich and tangy cheese bar. It’s bound to be a hit with the rhubarb lovers you know. —Sharon Schmidt, Mandan, North Dakota
Apple Rhubarb Crumb PieMy family and friends always ask for my apple rhubarb pie for birthdays and get-togethers. Everyone loves the unique flavor that the rhubarb adds to this pie. —Sherri Moon, Decatur, Indiana.
