How to Grow Rhubarb: Tips for Cultivating Delicious Harvests
How to Grow Rhubard?
To grow rhubarb, choose an open, sunny site with fertile, moist but well-draining soil.
If the soil is heavy, consider using raised beds or large containers.
Avoid planting in waterlogged ground and sites prone to late frosts unless you opt for a later-cropping variety.
Rhubarb can be purchased in pots or as dormant bare-root plants called crowns.
Containerized plants can be planted in spring or autumn, while bare-root crowns should be planted immediately in mid-autumn to early spring.
Prepare the planting site by adding two bucketfuls of well-rotted manure per square meter/yard.
Dig a slightly larger planting hole and position the plant with the crown tip just above the soil surface.
Back-fill the roots with soil, firming it in and watering well.
Space multiple plants 75-90cm (30-36in) apart.
If growing in a container, choose one at least 50cm (20in) deep and wide with proper drainage holes and fill it with peat-free, soil-based compost.
Position the plant with the main growth bud just above the compost surface.
Key Points:
- Choose open, sunny site with fertile, moist but well-draining soil
- Consider raised beds or large containers for heavy soil
- Avoid waterlogged ground and sites prone to late frosts
- Purchase rhubarb in pots or as dormant bare-root plants
- Containerized plants can be planted in spring or autumn
- Bare-root crowns should be planted immediately in mid-autumn to early spring
- Prepare planting site with well-rotted manure
- Dig larger planting hole and position plant with crown tip above soil surface
- Space multiple plants 75-90cm (30-36in) apart
- Choose a container at least 50cm (20in) deep and wide with proper drainage holes
- Fill container with peat-free, soil-based compost
- Position plant with main growth bud just above compost surface
Did You Know?
1. Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, not a fruit. Although it is often used in sweet desserts like pies and crisps, rhubarb is classified as a vegetable due to its botanical characteristics.
2. The leaves of rhubarb plants are poisonous. While the stalks are safe for consumption, the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
3. Rhubarb was originally used for medicinal purposes in ancient China. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners utilized rhubarb root as a laxative and for various digestive ailments.
4. Rhubarb leaves can be used as a natural insecticide. By boiling the leaves and creating a spray, you can protect your garden from pesky insects without the use of harmful chemicals.
5. The largest rhubarb festival in the world is held annually in the town of Wakefield, England. Known as the “Wakefield Rhubarb Festival,” this event celebrates the region’s rich history of rhubarb cultivation and features various rhubarb-themed activities and competitions.
Ideal Growing Conditions For Rhubarb
Rhubarb, known for its vibrant red stalks and tangy taste, thrives in specific growing conditions. A sunny site is essential for successful rhubarb cultivation; it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures optimal growth and allows the plants to develop their delicious flavor. Additionally, rhubarb prefers fertile, moist soil that drains well, ensuring the roots do not stand in water. However, it is worth noting that rhubarb can tolerate light shade but should be avoided in waterlogged areas.
If you find yourself with heavy soil, there is no need to worry. You can still grow rhubarb by planting it in raised beds or large containers. These options provide the necessary drainage, preventing waterlogging and allowing the plants to thrive. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid planting rhubarb in sites prone to late frosts, as they can damage the plants. However, with the availability of later-cropping varieties, you can enjoy rhubarb even in areas with late frosts.
Planting Rhubarb: Pots Vs Crowns
When starting your rhubarb garden, you have two options for acquiring the plants: pots or crowns. Rhubarb can be purchased in pots, ready for planting at any time of the year, preferably in spring or autumn. On the other hand, dormant bare-root plants, known as crowns, are available only from mid-autumn to early spring. It is important to note that bare-root crowns should be planted straight away to ensure their viability.
Both pot-grown and bare-root crowns have their advantages. Pots offer the convenience of planting at any time, allowing for flexibility in your gardening schedule. However, if you prefer the traditional method of bare-root planting, make sure to acquire the crowns within the appropriate time frame. Whichever option you choose, both pots and crowns can be equally effective in producing healthy and vibrant rhubarb plants.
Timing And Preparation For Planting
Timing and preparation are key elements in successfully growing rhubarb. Before planting, it is essential to prepare the site properly. Start by digging in two bucketfuls of well-rotted manure per square meter or yard. This will enrich the soil with valuable nutrients, ensuring the vigorous growth and productivity of your rhubarb plants.
After the site is prepared, dig a planting hole slightly larger than the roots of the rhubarb plant. Position the plant so that the tip of the crown, or the point where the leaves emerge, is just above the soil surface. Back-fill the hole with soil, firming it in gently around the roots.
Once planted, make sure to water the rhubarb plants thoroughly, ensuring the roots receive the necessary moisture. Proper hydration is crucial for establishing healthy plants and promoting robust growth.
- Start by preparing the site with well-rotted manure
- Make sure the crown is just above the soil surface when planting
- Firm the soil gently around the roots
- Provide thorough watering to establish healthy plants and promote growth.
Proper Planting Technique For Rhubarb
To ensure your rhubarb plant thrives, it is essential to follow the proper planting technique. After preparing the site and digging the planting hole, the plant’s positioning is crucial. Make sure the main growth bud or the point where the leaf stalks emerge is just above the compost surface. This ensures that the new growth will emerge correctly and allows the plant to establish itself firmly in the ground.
With the positioning complete, back-fill the hole with soil, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. Gently firm the soil around the roots, providing stability and support to the plant. Once the planting is complete, thoroughly water the rhubarb to promote healthy root development. Following these planting techniques will give your rhubarb plants the best start in their growth journey.
Spacing And Container Considerations
When planting multiple rhubarb plants, proper spacing is essential. Each plant should be spaced approximately 75-90cm (30-36 inches) apart. Adequate spacing ensures that each plant has enough room to grow and spread its leaves, preventing overcrowding and reducing the chances of diseases and pests.
If you have heavy or waterlogged soil, you can opt for growing rhubarb in containers. Select a large container at least 50cm (20 inches) deep and wide. The container should have plenty of drainage holes, allowing excess water to escape freely. Fill the container with a peat-free soil-based compost, providing the necessary nutrients and drainage for the rhubarb plant. Ensure the main growth bud or the point where the leaf stalks emerge is just above the compost surface, allowing the plant to flourish within the container.
Growing Rhubarb In Containers
Growing rhubarb in containers offers a fantastic alternative for those with unsuitable ground conditions. Containers provide the opportunity to cultivate rhubarb even in areas with heavy or waterlogged soil. By selecting a deep container with adequate drainage and suitable compost, you can successfully grow rhubarb that rivals its garden-grown counterparts.
When growing rhubarb in containers, it is crucial to provide optimal care. Regularly check the moisture levels, as containers tend to dry out faster than garden soil. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of compost becomes dry. Additionally, containerized rhubarb plants benefit from periodic feeding. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season to supply the necessary nutrients for vigorous growth and bountiful harvests.
In conclusion, growing rhubarb requires attention to specific details, but with the right conditions and proper care, you can enjoy a productive harvest.
Some important considerations are:
- Choose pots or crowns for planting
- Timing and preparation are key elements for successful planting
- Proper technique, spacing, and container considerations ensure the plants are well-established and provided with optimal growing conditions
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious rewards of growing your own rhubarb and indulge in the tangy taste of this versatile plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rhubarb easy to grow?
Rhubarb is a hassle-free plant that thrives in various climates and is a great addition to any garden. It can withstand cold weather and actually benefits from it, resulting in plentiful harvests. With its long lifespan, growing rhubarb is a wise choice as it promises a decade of productivity.
How long does it take to grow rhubarb?
Rhubarb, a delightful perennial plant, varies in the time it takes to grow depending on the method chosen. When grown from seeds, patience is key as the first harvest will only arrive after 3 to 4 years. Opting for the crowns, however, can provide a more expedited timeline. By planting two-year-old crowns, one can enjoy the first harvest within a year, while planting one-year-old crowns will yield the inaugural harvest after two years. Regardless of the route taken, the anticipation of freshly grown rhubarb is undoubtedly worth the wait.
Where is the best place to plant rhubarb?
The ideal location to plant rhubarb is in a spot that receives full sun. It is important to avoid shaded areas close to large trees or shrubs. Additionally, rhubarb thrives in fertile and well-drained soils, particularly those with high levels of organic matter. If your soil is sandy or clay-based, it can be enhanced by adding significant amounts of compost or other organic material prior to planting rhubarb.
How do you start a rhubarb plant?
To begin growing rhubarb, start by preparing the soil. Dig generous holes, large enough to accommodate the rhubarb plants and leave sufficient space between them. Allow a distance of 2 to 4 feet between plants and 3 to 4 feet between rows. When planting, ensure the crown is positioned 2 inches below the soil’s surface, with the buds facing upwards. After planting, it is crucial to water the rhubarb plants adequately to support their initial growth.