Rhubarb

How to grow Rhubarb

Of the rhubarb plant, only the stalks are eaten. The leaves of the rhubarb plant are poisonous. Rhubarb is easy to grow and usually pest free, but needs cool weather to thrive.

Propagation

It's possible to grow from seed, but usually crowns of young plants are used.
If growing from seed, sow directly in spring. Sow several seeds and then choose the strongest seedling.

Planting out

Plant crowns in late autumn to mid winter.
Before planting, eliminate all perennial weeds.
Spacing: at least 1 meter apart.
Site: sunny (or partial shade). Well-drained (will not withstand water-logging in winter) and rich soil (rhubarb is a heavy feeder).

Harvest

Avoid harvesting in 1st year. Harvest a few stems in the 2nd. Freely harvest after 3rd year.
Always leave at least 2 stalks per plant to ensure continued production.
If the stalks become thin, stop harvesting; this means the plant’s food reserves are low.

Care

In autumn, mulch generously with a heavy layer of straw and cow manure to provide nutrients for the plant, retain moisture, and discourage weeds.
Keep plant well-watered during summer dry spells.
Remove flower stalks.
Once the ground freezes, it’s best to cover rhubarb with 5-10 cm of mulch, preferably well-rotted compost.
Dig and split rhubarb roots every 5 years. Divide when plants are dormant in late autumn to early winter. Lots of thin stalks indicate the crown is losing vigour and needs to be divided (increased feeding may also help).

Pests and diseases

Crown rot: a common problem caused by soil or water-borne fungi or bacteria. Plants look sickly, fail to grow and rot at the crown. This can spread to stems and foliage causing the plant to die. Prompt action may save the plant: remove affected areas by cutting well back into healthy tissue.
Slugs and snails: feed on the young seedlings.

Recommended varieties

There are plenty of good rhubarb cultivars to choose from.

‘Fulton’s strawberry surprise’ (AGM): very attractive bright red colour. Strong plant, but not too vigorous for the garden. Good flavour. Can be grown in large containers.
‘Grandad’s Favorite’ (AGM): first early. Vigorous plants, high yield, thick, fairly sweet stem, bright colour, good leaf to stem ratio.
‘Hawke’s Champagne’ (AGM): second early. Compact plants with high yield potential. Attractive, bright red, medium-length, uniform stems.
‘Mac Red’ (AGM): strap-shaped stems; clear; whole stem has bright red colour; good flavour. A vigorous plant of good size and shape for the garden.
‘Reed’s early superb’ (AGM): long, straight, medium to thick stems; bright red colour grading to dark green; succulent and tender. Vigorous plant.
‘Stein’s Champagne’ (AGM): very bold, bright red stems, with the colour along the full length. Medium vigour.