Rhubarb plants will occasionally send up seed stalks with flowers in the middle of the plants. These stalks can occur due to natural maturity of the plants. Some varieties of rhubarb are more likely to flower than others. Victoria is known to be a flowering type. Flowering will reduce the vigor of the plant.
Energy is funneled into the stalks instead of new growth for rhubarb growth as a vegetable.
The flower and seed stalks should be cut out as soon as they start forming. The plant may still continue to produce the flower stalks so keep cutting. The plants do NOT become poisonous after flowering starts. The leaf stalks can still be cut and used and the leaves themselves are always poisonous. 6.7 - Can I compost my rhubarb leaves Many folks have been concerned about adding rhubarb leaves to their compost piles.