Answer Line FAQs
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Is it safe to eat rhubarb throughout the growing season?

It is recommended that rhubarb not be harvested after mid-June. During the remainder of the summer the plant will build up food reserves, ensuring a good crop next spring. Rhubarb is a spring crop and is sweeter and nicer to eat in the spring. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and should never be eaten. 
Reference: Rhubarb in the Home Garden, PM 719, Iowa State University Extension
Related Information:
Rhubarb in the Home Garden [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM719.pdf]
Iowa State University Extension publication covering growing, caring and harvesting rhubarb.
 
Iowa State University Extension Hotlines [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/hotlines.htm]
One of the hotlines answers lawn, garden and landscape plant questions. Call Hortline at 515-294-3108(M-F, 10-Noon, 1-4:30p.m.)
 
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For more information, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/, email us at: answer@iastate.edu, or call 1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa) or 1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota).