Rhubarb Isn't Growing Well And Leaves Look Very Odd.

[jourdain2]

I've always had rhubarb in the garden. This year it came up as usual - but the leaves are not right. When they first unfurl they are bumpy, yes? Well, ours are large and still 'bumpy and bobbly'. There are pale yellow patterns running the length of the leaves in-between the veins and the stems are not thickening up and are pale-coloured. On-line search only talks about crown rot -this isn't that. It was fine last year. Any ideas?

[EDDIE51]

Lack of rain mine is the same, even the apple tree is looking droopy .
Here in North Herts we have had less, than 25% of the normal rain fall so far this year.

[Buenchico]

Does anything here help?
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=544#section-5

(The biggest change from last year is probably the lack of rain we've been experiencing for the past few months. Perhaps that's relevant?)

[jourdain2]

Thank you both very much! I was neurotic about watering when I lived in France, but I came back to Yorkshire and just assumed there'd be enough water. Off out with a watering-can now. I have to give BA to EDDIE, if you don't mind Buen.,he got there first. :)

[EDDIE51]

Two days of rain and I can see the improvement in the rhubarb already.
It must have put at least two inches on.

[jourdain2]

Been on holiday - got back a couple of hours ago and the rhubarb is doing fine! Went to the Borders (needed time-out) and had lovely weather compared to England -downpour here most of the week. All new leaves popping-up nicely......... crumble in 2 weeks I think. :)