How To Grow Rhubarb

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

đŸŒ± Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

đŸŒ± Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring or fall.

đŸŒ± Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the crown.

đŸŒ± Space multiple plants 3-4 feet apart.

Care

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

âšĄïž 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.

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

đŸŒ± Leave a few stalks to nourish the plant.

đŸŒ± Harvest before summer for best flavor.

Interesting Facts

đŸ’Ș 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.

đŸœïž Enjoy rhubarb in pies, sauces, and delicious desserts!

Growing Rhubarb: A Perennial Powerhouse

If you've ever tasted the tart, earthy zing of fresh rhubarb, you’ll understand its cult following. While it’s famously baked into pies, rhubarb is just as fulfilling to grow as it is to eat. The good news? This hardy perennial practically thrives on neglect—once you know its preferences, that is.

Choosing the Right Spot

Rhubarb is a plant with opinions about where it wants to grow. It craves sunlight like a cat on a windowsill. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. That said, a little afternoon shade can keep it happier in hotter climates.

Soil matters, too. Rhubarb demands a deep, well-draining foundation. Think loose, rich, and slightly acidic—somewhere between 6.0 and 6.8 on the pH scale. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with plenty of compost or aged manure. I once planted rhubarb in dense, compacted dirt, and it sulked for a year before giving up entirely. Lesson learned.

Planting Your Rhubarb

When to Plant

Early spring is your best bet, as soon as the soil is workable. In mild climates, fall planting can also work, giving the crowns time to settle before winter.

How to Plant

Start with dormant crowns or divisions from an established plant. If you're lucky, a gardening neighbor might even gift you a chunk. Plant the crowns with the buds facing up, about 2 inches below the soil surface.

Spacing is critical. Rhubarb grows sprawling, almost unruly, leaves that need room to breathe. Space plants at least 3 feet apart. Trust me, shoehorning them closer may look neat at first, but overcrowding invites disease and reduces yield.

Watering and Feeding

Consistency is the name of the game here. Rhubarb loves moisture, but soggy roots spell disaster. Aim to water deeply once a week, more during hot, dry spells.

As for feeding, rhubarb is a heavy feeder that thrives with a yearly dose of aged manure or compost. I scatter a generous layer around the plants every spring, just as the first stalks poke through. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer—10-10-10, for example—keeps production steady.

Harvesting: Patience Pays Off

The first year, don’t touch it. Let the plant establish itself, a rule that tests even the most disciplined gardener. In the second year, harvest sparingly. By year three, you can cut to your heart’s content. Or nearly.

“Only harvest about a third of the stalks at a time. Overharvesting can weaken the plant, and a tired rhubarb won’t forgive you quickly.”

When harvesting, grasp the stalk near the base and pull gently. Don’t cut it—tearing promotes stronger new growth. And remember: the leaves are toxic, so toss those straight into your compost pile.

Common Challenges

Rhubarb is tough, but it isn’t bulletproof. Watch for crown rot, which thrives in waterlogged soil. Keeping that drainage in check is essential. I’ve lost more crowns to rot than I care to admit, and each one stung.

Pests are rare, but rhubarb curculios (a type of beetle) can occasionally chew through stalks. If you see them, remove them by hand and keep the area clean of debris.

Dividing and Maintaining Rhubarb

Every 5-7 years, your rhubarb will start to show its age, with thinner stalks and less vigor. That’s when it’s time to dig it up and divide. This sounds brutal, but rhubarb thrives on occasional tough love.

In early spring, use a sharp spade to slice through the crown into fist-sized sections. Make sure each piece has at least one healthy bud. Replant and let the cycle begin anew.

Why Grow Rhubarb?

Beyond the taste and satisfaction, rhubarb is a symbol of patience and payoff. It asks for little, gives generously, and will come back year after year with just a touch of care. Few plants balance resilience and productivity so beautifully.

Ultimately, growing rhubarb feels like a compact agreement between gardener and nature: provide a good home, and it will fill your garden—and your kitchen—with joy for decades.

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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