Overview

• Inspect rhubarb crowns daily in early June to catch emerging seed pods and flower stalks before bolting begins.
• Identify seed pods by their soft green shoots with red or pink streaks, resembling a cabbage head or closed fist.
• Snip pods and stubborn flower clusters with a sharp knife or garden shears as close to the base as possible.
• Keep soil cool through regular watering, mulching, or shading to reduce heat stress and lower bolting risk.
• Consistent removal throughout June sustains stalk quality by preventing the plant from diverting resources to seed production.