How to grow rhubarb is simple with the right care. This hardy perennial thrives in cool climates. I always choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Planting crowns is the best way to start.
Regular watering and composting keep plants strong. Removing flower stalks helps stalk production. Harvesting correctly ensures years of fresh rhubarb. With proper care, rhubarb grows for over a decade.
How To Grow Rhubarb?
Growing rhubarb is simple, but it needs proper care. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. You can plant rhubarb from crowns or seeds, though crowns establish faster.
Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart to allow room for growth. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged for healthy roots.
Avoid harvesting in the first year to let the plant develop strong roots. With the right care, rhubarb will be produced for over a decade.
Popular Rhubarb Cultivars
Many rhubarb varieties suit different climates and tastes. ‘Victoria’ is a classic, sweet variety that’s easy to grow. ‘Timperley Early’ is perfect for an early harvest.
If you want deep red stalks, try ‘Glaskins Perpetual’ or ‘Canada Red’. For colder regions, ‘MacDonald’ is a hard choice. ‘Raspberry Red’ has a mild flavor and is great for desserts.
Some varieties, like ‘German Wine’, have green stems with red streaks. Choosing the right cultivar ensures a great harvest.
Ideal Spot For Rhubarb
Rhubarb loves full sun but tolerates light shade. Choose a well-drained location with rich, fertile soil. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water collects.
A raised bed helps prevent waterlogging in wet climates. Keep rhubarb away from competing plants, as it dislikes crowding. Ensure the spot gets six or more hours of sunlight daily.
Wind protection can help prevent broken stalks. A good location leads to vigorous growth and high yields.
Best Time And Method To Plant Rhubarb
Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring when the soil is workable. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots. Place the crown so buds sit just above soil level.
Space plants are at least 3 feet apart for airflow. Water well after planting and mulch heavily to retain moisture.
Avoid harvesting in the first year to let the plant establish itself. If growing from seeds, start them indoors in late winter and transplant in spring.
Rhubarb Maintenance Tips
Keep rhubarb weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients. Water regularly, especially in dry periods, but avoid overwatering. In early spring, apply compost or aged manure for strong growth.
Remove any flower stalks to direct energy into the stems. Mulch in winter to protect roots from extreme cold. Divide old plants every 5 to 7 years to maintain productivity. After harvest, leave some stalks to help the plant recover. Healthy plants will thrive for decades.
Techniques For Forcing Rhubarb
For early, tender rhubarb, try forcing it indoors. In late winter, cover crowns with a large pot or forcing jar. This blocks light, causing longer, sweeter stems to grow.
Keep the soil moist but not too wet during forcing. Forced rhubarb can be harvested 6 to 8 weeks earlier than outdoor crops.
Once forced, the plant needs a year to recover before forcing again. Some people dig up crowns, pot them, and bring them inside for forcing.
Rhubarb Propagation Methods
The best way to propagate rhubarb is by dividing mature crowns. In early spring or fall, dig up a healthy, established plant. Cut the crown into sections, ensuring each has at least one bud.
Replant immediately in prepared soil and water well. Rhubarb can also be grown from seeds, but this method takes longer.
If using seeds, start them indoors and transplant them once strong. The division ensures strong, productive plants faster than seeds.
When And How To Pick Rhubarb?
Harvest rhubarb when stalks are at least 10 inches long. To pick, grasp the stalk at the base and pull with a gentle twist. Avoid cutting, as twisting encourages new growth.
Only harvest a third of the stalks to keep the plant healthy. Peak harvest season runs from late spring to early summer. Never eat the leaves—they contain toxic oxalic acid. Mature plants are produced for 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Troubleshooting Rhubarb Growth
If rhubarb stalks are thin, it may need more nutrients or space. Poor drainage can cause crown rot, leading to plant death. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
If rhubarb fails to grow, check soil quality and sun exposure. Flowering usually means the plant is stressed or too mature. Mulching and removing flower stalks help keep plants strong. Proper care prevents most common rhubarb issues.
Reasons For Rhubarb Flowering
Flowering in rhubarb, called bolting, happens when the plant is stressed. Overcrowding, drought, or extreme temperatures can trigger flowers.
Older plants naturally flower and may need to be divided. Some varieties are more prone to flowering than others. Regular watering and nutrient-rich soil help prevent bolting.
Cutting flower stalks redirects energy into stalk production. If bolting continues, consider dividing and replanting. A well-maintained plant produces better stalks.
Ways To Use And Keep Rhubarb Fresh
Rhubarb is great in pies, jams, sauces, and crumbles. It pairs well with strawberries, apples, and citrus. When wrapped, fresh rhubarb lasts about a week in the fridge.
To store longer, chop stalks and freeze them in airtight bags. For a tangy treat, try making rhubarb syrup or chutney. Dehydrated rhubarb can be used in teas and baking. Pickling rhubarb adds a unique twist to salads and snacks.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant rhubarb?
I plant rhubarb in early spring when the soil is workable. Fall planting also works in mild climates.
How much sunlight does rhubarb need?
Rhubarb grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade. At least six hours of sunlight is ideal
How often should I water rhubarb?
I water deeply once a week, more in hot weather. The soil should stay moist but not soggy.
Why is my rhubarb flowering?
Flowering happens when the plant is stressed or too old. I cut off flower stalks to keep rhubarb productive
When can I start harvesting rhubarb?
I wait one year after planting before harvesting. After that, I pick stalks when they are 10 inches long.
Conclusion
Growing rhubarb is simple with the right care. I always choose a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Planting crowns in early spring gives the best results. Watering regularly keeps the plant healthy and strong.
A layer of compost in spring boosts growth. I always remove flower stalks to keep stalks thick. Harvesting at the right time keeps plants productive for years. Rhubarb needs space, so I plant it three feet apart. With proper care, it has grown for over a decade.
I love using fresh rhubarb in pies and jams. Storing it right keeps the flavor fresh for months. Growing rhubarb is worth the effort for a tasty harvest.
