My rhubarb has been growing like gangbusters and when I wasn’t paying attention shot up giant seed stalks.
After a quick investigation into what to do, I realized that you don’t want these to grow very big and suck all the energy from the plant. They should be cut as soon as you see them forming, certainly well before they get to be this big. You need to cut these seeds stalks, not twist and pull them like you do to the stems you are harvesting. They are much thicker and hollow, and should be cut right down at the base.
So now, I check the plants, down under the leaves to find the seed stalks just as they are forming and cut them as soon as possible.
From the plant that is in its second year, I’ve had 2 harvests so far and have used some in recipes and frozen the rest.