How to Grow Rhubarb From Seed: Gardening Guide

How to Grow Rhubarb From Seed?

To grow rhubarb from seeds, start by choosing a permanent location with enough space for mature plants.

It prefers cool climates with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and slightly acidic soil.

Sow the seeds in spring or summer directly into a prepared garden bed or seedling trays, and thin out weaker seedlings.

Remove weeds and incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting.

It is recommended to add fertilizer and plant the seedlings 50cm apart in rows 70cm apart.

Avoid harvesting anything in the first year and remove flowering stalks to increase stem production.

Remember to protect young seedlings from slugs and snails and watch out for fungal infections or viruses.

Harvest the stems when leaves have fully opened, leaving at least half of the stems on the plant for long-term health.

Enjoy the fresh rhubarb, store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, freeze it, or use it in various recipes.

Key Points:

  • Choose a permanent location with adequate space for mature rhubarb plants
  • Prefer cool climates with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and slightly acidic soil
  • Sow seeds in spring or summer directly into garden bed or seedling trays and thin out weaker seedlings
  • Remove weeds and incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting
  • Add fertilizer and plant seedlings 50cm apart in rows 70cm apart
  • Do not harvest anything in the first year and remove flowering stalks to increase stem production.


Did You Know?

1. Rhubarb comes from the same plant family as buckwheat and sorrel, known as Polygonaceae.
2. In ancient China, rhubarb was used primarily as a medicinal herb to alleviate constipation and digestive issues.
3. The leaves of the rhubarb plant are highly toxic due to their high levels of oxalic acid. Only the stalks are safe to eat.
4. Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, even though it is commonly mistaken for a fruit due to its frequent use in desserts.
5. The largest rhubarb plant ever recorded grew to a whopping height of over 9 feet and had stalks measuring more than 2 inches in diameter.

Growing Rhubarb From Seed

Growing rhubarb from seed is a viable option for those who are patient and willing to wait for their plants to establish. While it takes longer than using mature crowns, it can be a rewarding process.

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable known for its stalks that resemble celery. It is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of climates, but it prefers areas with cool winters.

  • Rhubarb can be grown from seeds, which allows for a wider selection of varieties.
  • Starting from seed requires patience, as it takes about two years for the plants to reach maturity and produce stalks.
  • Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about two weeks.
  • Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them out to allow for proper spacing.

“Growing rhubarb from seed provides an opportunity to explore different varieties and is a rewarding process, although it requires patience and time.”

Choosing The Right Location And Soil For Rhubarb

When selecting a location for your rhubarb plants, it is important to choose a permanent spot with adequate space for mature plants. Rhubarb can crop for 10-15 years, so you want to ensure it has enough space to grow and flourish. In cooler climates, it is best to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

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Rhubarb prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is important to avoid wet soils as they can cause damage to the plants. If you have heavy clay soil, it is recommended to use raised beds to improve drainage. Before planting, make sure to remove any weeds, stones, or debris from the ground. Additionally, incorporating organic matter into the soil, such as well-rotted manure or compost, can provide nutrients that will benefit the growth of your rhubarb plants.

Planting And Germinating Rhubarb Seeds

To grow rhubarb from seed, follow these steps:

  • Sow the seeds directly into a prepared garden bed or seedling trays in the spring or summer.
  • The seeds will germinate within 7-14 days at soil temperatures of 20-23°C.
  • Thinning out weaker seedlings or leaving occasional empty spaces is necessary for proper growth and development.

Care And Maintenance For Rhubarb Plants

Once your rhubarb plants have sprouted and are well-established, proper care and maintenance are essential for their long-term health. It is recommended to add 8kg of fertilizer per square meter and plant the seedlings 50cm apart in rows 70cm apart. This will provide ample space for the plants to grow and thrive.

In the first year, it is advised not to harvest any rhubarb, as this allows the plant to establish a strong root system. However, from the second year onwards, you can enjoy a modest harvest. To promote stem production, it is important to remove flowering stalks. This will redirect the plant’s energy towards producing more flavorful and robust stalks.

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Rhubarb behaves differently in various climates. In cool and alpine regions, the plants will die down over winter and reshoot in spring. In warmer climates, rhubarb plants can be evergreen and produce year-round. For those located in areas with cooler winters, it is recommended to divide the plants every 3 to 4 years in late autumn. This practice helps reinvigorate aging clumps and promotes healthy growth.

Harvesting And Storing Rhubarb

When harvesting rhubarb, it’s crucial to wait until the leaves have fully opened. The stalks are edible, while the leaves are poisonous and should not be consumed. To harvest the stalks, gently pull them down and twist at the base. Remember to leave at least half of the stems on the plant to ensure its long-term health.

Freshly harvested rhubarb can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be stewed or used in various recipes, such as pies and crumbles. If you have an abundance of rhubarb, freezing it is an excellent option. Additionally, rhubarb can be used in jams and preserves, and its leaves can even serve as a pest deterrent in the garden.

Additional Uses Of Rhubarb

Aside from being a delicious and versatile crop, rhubarb has additional uses that make it even more valuable. In the United Kingdom, the practice of “forcing” rhubarb is employed to obtain an early crop of pinker and sweeter shoots. This involves excluding light from the plants using various methods, such as ornamental forcers, upturned garbage bins, or boxes draped in black plastic. However, it should be noted that forcing can stress and weaken the plant, so it should not be done too frequently or for extended periods of time.

While growing rhubarb, it is important to be aware of common pests and diseases that can affect it. Slugs and snails can be a problem for young rhubarb seedlings and should be controlled. Additionally, fungal infections and viruses can cause rotting and yellowing of the foliage. Infected plants should be promptly disposed of, and fresh stock should be brought in to avoid further spread of the disease.

Tip: By excluding light using methods like ornamental forcers or upturned garbage bins, you can “force” rhubarb to obtain early crops of pinker and sweeter shoots.

growing rhubarb from seed can be a rewarding endeavor for those with patience and willingness to wait. By following the proper steps for planting, caring for, and maintaining rhubarb plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable for years to come. Whether you choose to freeze, stew, bake, or preserve it, rhubarb is a cheap and abundant crop that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. So, why not give it a try and add some rhubarb to your garden?

  • “Forcing” rhubarb can result in early crops of pinker and sweeter shoots, but it should not be done too frequently or for extended periods of time.
  • Pests and diseases to watch out for include slugs, snails, fungal infections, and viruses. Prompt disposal of infected plants and bringing in fresh stock can help prevent further spread of diseases.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does rhubarb take to grow from seed?

Rhubarb is a plant that requires patience when growing from seed. After sowing the seeds and ensuring they are thoroughly watered, it typically takes approximately two years for the rhubarb to fully mature. At this point, you can expect to harvest the rhubarb when the stalks reach a length between 12 to 18 inches.

Is rhubarb easy to grow?

Yes, rhubarb is incredibly easy to grow, making it an ideal addition to any garden. This perennial plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. In fact, rhubarb even benefits from a cold spell as it helps in producing the most abundant crops. Additionally, with a lifespan of at least 10 years, a single healthy rhubarb plant can provide a long-lasting and fruitful investment in your garden.

Does rhubarb need to go to seed?

Allowing a rhubarb plant to go to seed is not recommended if you want to maximize your harvest. The flower stalks, which develop from seed pods at the base of the plant, can divert energy away from producing larger rhubarb stalks. Therefore, it is ideal to prevent your rhubarb plant from reaching the stage where it starts producing these long shoots.

Is rhubarb easy to grow from seed?

Yes, rhubarb can be grown easily from seed if you have sufficient space and are willing to exercise some patience. Although plants grown from seed take a bit longer to establish compared to mature crowns, they are still a cost-effective option.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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