One light picking may be taken during the year following planting if the plants are vigorous, and beginning the second year following planting, the entire plant may be harvested. When harvesting rhubarb, the first step is to cut the stalks at the soil line or simply pull them out individually. All of the stalks of a plant may be harvested at one time, or pulled out selectively over a 4-6 week period. After the stalks are cut, the leaves may be removed. Early forced rhubarb has a distinctive bright pink color and delicate flavor.
Outdoor rhubarb is a little darker in color.
12 Refrain from harvesting rhubarb the first year after planting. Each plant needs time to build up food reserves in the root to produce thick, robust stems. 28 Established rhubarb plants can be coaxed into early outdoor production by covering plants with clear plastic in the early spring, before the crown starts to grow. As leaves get larger, cut the plastic to keep the leaves free. 28 Frost Damage Rhubarb hit by a frost or freeze can still be eaten provided the stalks are still firm and upright.