Choosing the Right Variety for Your Garden

I first discovered the joy of growing rhubarb from an old neighbor named Frank, who swore by strawberry-rhubarb pies and had rhubarb patches older than I was at the time. Picking the right variety makes a huge difference.

Most garden centers offer two main types: Victoria, with its classic greenish-red stalks, and Canada Red, famous for deep-red stems with a sweeter tang. If you're just starting out, either of these trusty cultivars will do beautifully.

Planting Rhubarb: Finding That Perfect Spot

Rhubarb demands sun like I demand coffee—generously and without compromise. Choose an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Drainage matters too; soggy soil spells doom quicker than a frost in July (which I have unexpectedly dealt with—thank you, New England weather). For perfect conditions, mix rich compost or well-rotted manure into loose, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 6.8).

Timing Your Planting Right

Early spring, just as the ground thaws, remains the optimal planting season. Here in Vermont, I aim for mid-March to early April; if you're in warmer regions, late winter is suitable too.

How Deep and Far Apart to Plant Rhubarb

• Plant crowns (that's gardening lingo for the dormant root divisions) around 3 inches (7.6 cm) beneath soil level.
• Space each crown approximately 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart—rhubarb's sprawling habit appreciates breathing room.

Caring for Your Rhubarb Plants

Rhubarb care isn't rocket science—it's straightforward, but diligence is essential.

Watering Needs

Water consistently—about an inch (2.5 cm) per week—to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Drip irrigation systems work wonders here, minimizing leaf moisture and reducing fungal risks.

Fertilizing Tips

A dose of nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer each spring does the trick. I prefer aged manure or compost tea, applied generously around—but never directly atop—the crowns.

Managing Flower Stalks

Occasionally, rhubarb gets ambitious and sends up bold flower stalks—lovely but fatalistic. Pinch them mercilessly as soon as they appear to redirect energy back into those luscious stalks you actually intend to harvest.

Harvesting Rhubarb for Maximum Flavor and Growth

Patience rewards the rhubarb gardener richly: resist harvesting during the first planting year to let roots establish adequately. From your second year onward, you're ready to feast.

When and How to Harvest

Gather stalks in late spring or early summer; typically, that's from May to July in my neck of the woods. To harvest, hold the stem close to its base and twist gently—don't cut—to maintain plant health.

"Never harvest more than one-third of your plant's stalks at one time. Overharvesting weakens the plant and reduces future yields."

Important Safety Reminder

Remember: only stalks are edible. Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, delivering toxicity that no gardener would wish upon themselves or anyone else.

Overwintering Rhubarb Plants Successfully

Every autumn, I mulch my rhubarb beds heavily with a 2–4 inch (5–10 cm) layer of straw or shredded leaves. This blanket insulates crowns from harsh winter temperatures, prolonging plant vigor year after year.

In extremely cold areas, rhubarb withstands surprising cold snaps (down to -20°F or -29°C), but mulching offers valuable insurance against unpredictable freezes.

Common Rhubarb Pests and Diseases (and How to Handle Them)

Rhubarb typically resists major pest invasions, yet some challenges can arise:

• Slugs and Snails: Set beer traps or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants.
• Crown Rot: Prevented through proper drainage and thoughtful watering.
• Leaf Spot Diseases: Remove affected leaves promptly, dispose off-site, and avoid overhead watering.

I've found proactive care makes pests and diseases rare inconveniences rather than regular nightmares.

Fun Rhubarb Facts to Impress Fellow Gardeners

Did you know?

• Despite rhubarb's frequent dessert partnering with strawberries, botanically it's closer kin to sorrel and buckwheat.
• In the UK, rhubarb cultivation occurs famously by a unique practice known as "forcing," which grows vivid pink stalks in dark sheds—it even boasts "Protected Designation of Origin" status in West Yorkshire’s "Rhubarb Triangle."

"The UK’s Rhubarb Triangle was once responsible for producing 90% of the world's winter forced rhubarb." — Royal Horticultural Society

The joy of growing rhubarb at home goes beyond pies; it enriches gardens and feeds gardener's souls alike. If you've never grown rhubarb, give it a try—your garden and kitchen desserts will thank you dearly.

Growing Rhubarb is a lesson in patience and reward. Give it rich soil, ample space, and a bit of restraint—skip the harvest the first year, and it’ll pay you back for seasons to come. Water deeply, mulch generously, and keep an eye out for weeds. Snip the stalks clean and leave the leaves behind. With a little respect for the plant’s rhythms, you’ll have tart, ruby stalks ready for pie, compote, or something a little more adventurous. If you’re hooked on perennial crops, you might also enjoy growing asparagus. Good soil, patience, and a sharp knife—the rest is just letting nature do its thing.