How To Grow Rhubarb

Written by Lars Nyman on

September 30, 2024

Growing Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a fruit-like vegetable that is enjoyed cooked and fresh. It is a member of the buckwheat family, and dates back to the 1700s in Europe. Rhubarb has a distinctive tart flavor that is most commonly used in desserts such as pies and jams. The stalk is the edible part of the plant, while the leaves are poisonous and not safe to eat.

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Cheatsheet: How To Grow Rhubarb

Planting

🌱 Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

🌱 Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring or fall.

🌱 Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the crown.

🌱 Space multiple plants 3-4 feet apart.

Care

💧 Water deeply once a week, especially in dry spells.

⚡️ Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

🌿 Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

🍃 Protect from extreme cold with straw or burlap.

Harvesting

📅 Wait until the second year to harvest stalks.

🌱 Twist or cut stalks at the base when thick and firm.

🌱 Leave a few stalks to nourish the plant.

🌱 Harvest before summer for best flavor.

Interesting Facts

💪 Rhubarb stalks are high in fiber and low in calories.

💡 Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, so don't consume them.

🌍 Rhubarb is a great self-sufficiency crop, lasting 10+ years.

🍽️ Enjoy rhubarb in pies, sauces, and delicious desserts!

Growing Rhubarb: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the Right Variety

First things first, select the best rhubarb variety for your garden. Victoria and Canada Red are popular choices.

Each variety has its own quirks. Victoria is hardy and prolific, while Canada Red is sweeter and more vibrant.

Planting Rhubarb

Location

Rhubarb loves sunlight. Find a spot that gets at least six hours of full sun daily.

Good drainage is crucial. Rhubarb hates soggy roots almost as much as I hate weeding!

Soil Preparation

Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder.

Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8. A simple soil test kit can help you with that.

Planting Depth

Plant crowns 1-2 inches below the surface. Space them 3 feet apart to give them room to grow.

In my experience, planting too deep can lead to rot. Shallow is better here.

Watering and Feeding

Rhubarb needs consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. I water mine deeply once a week.

Feeding is essential. Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and again after harvest.

A well-fed rhubarb plant can produce stalks for up to 10 years!

Harvesting Rhubarb

When to Harvest

Wait until the second growing season to start harvesting. Patience pays off.

Stalks should be 12-18 inches long. They'll be juicy and flavorful at this length.

How to Harvest

Pull stalks from the base with a gentle twist. Don't just cut them off!

Always leave at least two stalks per plant to keep it healthy.

Common Issues and Solutions

Pest Problems

Rhubarb is relatively pest-free, but slugs can be an issue. I use organic slug pellets to keep them at bay.

If you notice holes in the leaves, check for slugs and take action quickly.

Disease Concerns

Watch out for crown rot. This often happens if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.

Good air circulation and proper spacing can prevent many diseases.

Overwintering

In colder climates, mulch heavily around the base of the plant with straw or leaves.

In my garden, I use a thick layer of straw. It helps protect my rhubarb through harsh winters.

Final Thoughts

Growing rhubarb can be incredibly rewarding. It's a low-maintenance plant with high yields.

With a bit of care, you'll have delicious rhubarb for pies, sauces, and more, year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I plant rhubarb?

You should plant rhubarb in early spring or fall.

2. Where should I plant rhubarb?

Rhubarb thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

3. How do I prepare the soil?

Loosen the soil and amend with compost or well-rotted manure.

4. How often should I water rhubarb?

Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.

5. Do I need to fertilize rhubarb?

Fertilize rhubarb annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

6. When can I harvest rhubarb?

You can start harvesting rhubarb stalks when they reach about 10-12 inches in length.

7. How do I harvest rhubarb?

Simply pull or cut the stalk at the base, avoiding damage to the crown.

Rhubarb is an excellent perennial crop to grow in your garden or allotment. It is very hardy and easy to care for, can tolerate cold climates, and is a reliable and productive crop. Rhubarb has numerous culinary uses, both for sweet and savoury dishes, and is packed full of nutrients and vitamins that can benefit your health. It's an intriguing and delicious addition to your garden and sure to impress family and friends.

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