Hi, my rhubarb looks like it is dying as the leaves are yellow and wilted. I thought it could be too much rain? What else could it be? It’s been established for a year now and produced plenty of produce so I’m at a loss as to what has caused it and what I should do? Louise.

Rhubarb isn't evergreen, it is like a bulb. It has a crown and if you have had a few frosts then the crown has gone dormant for winter. Push the crown, if it is hard then your rhubarb is fine, if it is spongy then it could be poor drainage.

In the first year it is best to leave a few leaves on the rhubarb rather than harvest them all as that is what is supplying the food to the crown and helping it regenerate next season. Make sure it is in free draining soil rich in compost as they don’t like drying out. They thrive with a nitrogen rich fertiliser, so regular applications of Tui Blood & Bone, Tui Sheep Pellets or Nitrosol are beneficial. Applying Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic will also help.

Rhubarb are susceptible to leaf rust which appear as spots on the leaves (little orange spots), your garden centre can advise what the best course of action if you suspect rust is a problem.

Click here for our Rhubarb Growing Guide