By Mowerman
East Sussex coast,
United Kingdom 
Rhubarb 'Timperley Early'
I planted this in early spring last year, it grew well and as per advice I didn't harvest the stalks but let it die down naturally during the winter.
It's supposed to be available to harvest as early as February/early March but there is no sign at all of any new growth appearing.
I'm on the south coast and we have very few frosts and only then very light. However we've had incessant rain all winter and the ground is saturated. Could this be the problem?
Thanks
Roy
20 Feb, 2025
Answers
I'm down south as well, I think it's too early to expect outdoor rhubarb now.
The Feb / March refers to protected, under a bucket, forced stuff, not out in the open ground
You may find fresh growth any time now, now the weather is warming & shoots are appearing on trees etc.
21 Feb, 2025
I agree, mine isnt showing any sign of growth, but I have excavated round it and the crown is firm. Harvesting my own forced stuff up in E Yorks is usually mid March.
21 Feb, 2025
Thanks folks.
21 Feb, 2025
I understand Rhubarb doesn't like being waterlogged, it can cause the crown to rot. I hope this hasn't happened to yours, but I think February is too early for picking it anyway.
Maybe you could try covering it with an old bucket or large pot, I know people do this to encourage soft stems.
21 Feb, 2025