Hi all

Noticed yesterday that the Rhubarb had 3 or 4 big squirly seed pod things on
.
Last year it did really well, but I didn't pick any stalks as it was its
first year.
This year I noticed what-looked-like corn on the cob wraps appearing at the
base of some stems, but didn't recognise them as seed pods.
Within a couple of weeks the pods sprouted like triffids - very strange
looking!

According to various sites, these should be removed, so I pulled up out the
stems that the pods were attached to.
My rhubarb now looks like a shadow of its former self .

Should I have started picking the rhubarb stalks earlier?
Would this have prevented the formation of the seed pods?
Will I still be able to harvest stalks for eating?
If so, should I leave the plant to recover a bit?

TIA

Phil