Planting Rhubarb

The planting area should be thoroughly weeded prior to planting. Rhubarb is generally purchased as crowns , rather than propagated from seed. Planting Rhubarb seeds is not recommended, except in extremely southern areas of the United States. In addition Rhubarb is generally not propagated from seed since seedlings are not always true to type. Quality nursery stock for starting new plantings is recommended; this is due to freedom from virus, crown rots, root rots and weeds.

Rhubarb crowns can be purchased from seed catalogs or a local nursery, garden center . Plant the crowns as soon as possible so they don’t dry out.

Rhubarb is normally planted as early as possible in the spring since growth begins when soil temperatures are still well below 50º F. Rhubarb can also be planted in the fall after dormancy has set in.

Plant with the crown bud 2 inches below the soil surface .
Space the roots 36 to 48 inches apart in rows approximately 4 feet apart. Work plenty of well-rotted manure or compost into the rhubarb bed before planting .

 

Since rhubarb is a perennial, it should be planted to one side or at the end of the garden so as not to interfere with planting and growing annual vegetables. The rhubarb plant has bold ornamental texture and size, and some gardeners find it suitable to include in a perennial flower border.

Plant (or divide) rhubarb roots in early spring while the plants are still dormant, in well drained soil

Old roots may be dug and divided to make new plantings by cutting the roots into no more than eight pieces. Each piece must have at least one strong bud.

 

Cultivation

Cultivate shallowly as often as necessary to remove weeds. Apply a complete garden fertilizer in early spring before growth begins and side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer in late June. Except in poorly drained sites, organic mulches help moderate soil temperature and moisture. Do not cover the crowns. Flower stalks should be cut off as soon as they appear.
 

Fertilizer

Lime - should be applied to maintain the soil pH in a range of 6.0 to 6.8 ..ranges as low as 5.0 are tolerable but not recommended.

Nitrogen - rhubarb has a high nitrogen requirement . Apply as necessary in the first year, otherwise apply nitrogen at bud break along with the phosphorus and potash . Apply a side dressing of nitrogen after harvest

Fertilize with a handful of a 5-10-10 fertilizer in the spring. A modest midsummer application will also benefit these vigorous plants.


Harvest

 

Do not harvest rhubarb during the first year of planting. Newly set plants need all their foliage to build a strong root system. Stalks may be harvested for 1 or 2 weeks during the second year and for 8 to 10 weeks (a full harvest season) during the third and subsequent years. Harvest in the fall only when the plants are to be discarded the next season.

If seed stalks and flowers develop during the spring and summer, cut them from the base of the plant as soon as they appear and discard them. Rhubarb is an extremely hardy plant. It is a beautiful garden plant, with huge extravagant, lush green leaves and pink or red stalks. Rhubarb is an ancient plant as well.
 

 

Varieties of Rhubarb

 

There are several different varieties of rhubarb grown all over the world and used in a variety of cooking preparations. One characteristic consistent with all rhubarb is the toxicity of the leaves and roots. The rhubarb leaves contain high amounts of oxalic acid, a toxic and potentially deadly poison. Only the stems are edible.

• Victoria Red Rhubarb -Perennial - Easy to grow One of the largest and most productive varieties
• Rhubarb Cherry Red   BThis winter-hardy variety loves cold weather! Rich red through and through, this heavy producer is juicy, tender, and sweet. Cherry Red is a winter-hardy rhubarb that thrives in cold weather. Perfect for Northern growers.
• Valentine Rhubarb  Loved for its hardiness, delicious flavor, thick flesh and fine grain
• Victoria Rhubarb   Easy-to-grow rhubarb variety
• Bastard Rhubarb
• Chinese rhubarb
• English Rhubarb
• European Wild Rhubarb
• Garden Rhubarb
• Himalayan rhubarb
• Indian rhubarb
• Ornamental Rhubarb
• Sweet Round-leaved Dock
• Wine Plant

Seed & Nursery Catalogs

 

 

 

Dividing Rhubarb Crowns

When a rhubarb crown is 6 to 8 years old, it should be dug up and divided. This should be done in the early spring . Insert a shovel about 6 inches into the ground next to the base of the plant and lift out the entire crown. Some roots will break off and should be left in the ground.

with your hands, or a small a hatchet break the crown into fist-sized pieces, each with at least a bud and one large root piece. Smaller pieces with broken roots that are at least the size of a small cigar, can be put back together as a single crown. In this case, allow more time for the plant to develop before harvesting.

Replant the new divisions immediately or as soon as possible. If planting is delayed due to weather conditions, store them in a cool dry area.. Rehydrate the divisions before planting by soaking in water for several hours, or overnight.

 

 

Pests & Diseases Common to Rhubarb

Fungus [Botrytis Rot]

May cause a leaf, stem and crown rot of forced rhubarb which intensifies where there is poor air circulation and high humidity.

Control: Apply recommended fungicide at first sign of disease and weekly thereafter
 

See Also : Cornell University Fact sheet :Botrytis Rot


Leaf Spots

Circular spots, variable in size Beige centers surrounded by red . When affected tissue dies, it may drop out, leaving large ragged holes in the leaves.

Control: Remove and destroy leaves following the first frost. During harvest, remove stems with spotted leaves first. Apply fungicide used for Botrytis control.

See Also University of Minnesota: Rhubarb Leaf Spots

 

Viruses

Several viruses are also known to occur in rhubarb. turnip mosaic, arabis mosaic and cherry leaf roll virus are common. These viruses have wide host ranges and cause mottling and ring spotting of leaves. They may be introduced in infected stock.

Control: Obtain and plant healthy nursery stock. Avoid planting virus free crowns near virus contaminated crowns.



Insects

Potato Stem Borer

Characteristics: The potato stem borer is a caterpillar, which when fully grown is about 3.5 cm in length and pinkish-white in color. The first stages of the insect attack only weeds, couch grass in particular. Later they move into plants with thicker stems, such as rhubarb. They may move from stem to stem, boring into the centre of the stalk. The adult moths lay their eggs on the stems of grasses in August. The eggs do not hatch until the following spring. Damage can be expected in June and early July. Serious infestation can lead to an unmarketable crop.

Control: This pest is not a problem when couch grass and other weeds are controlled in and around the rhubarb plantation. Weeds should be controlled to make the field less attractive for egg laying by the adult moth. Early spring burning of affected fields or field margins will effectively control this pest.



Tarnished plant bug

Characteristics: Adult tarnished plant bugs are light brown to reddish brown in colour and about 5-6 mm in length. They occur throughout the season. They are very active and quick moving. They can damage rhubarb by feeding on young leaves. They pierce the stalk with their mouthparts and cause wilting and distortion of the leaves. Tarnished plant bugs are mainly a pest of new plantings.

Control: Keep plantings and adjacent areas weed free. Avoid planting adjacent to legumes.



Slugs

Characteristics: Slugs may be a problem in plantings with heavy soils, poor drainage and in weedy situations. Slugs fed at night, by rasping the surface of stems, leaving unsightly scars, which reduce the saleability of the stem.

Prevention: Provide good soil drainage. Keep weeds under control. Remove leaves and trash from the field when harvesting. Do not use manure and/or mulches in areas of field prone to slug damage.

See Pest Control for more extensive data


 

Purported medicinal properties of Rhubarb

Use of rhubarb has been recorded as early as the 1st century AD in China and it has been cultivated in the West since the 18th century. Its primary medicinal use is as a laxative safe even for young children due to its gentle action. It is also effective in the treatment for many digestive problems.

**It is a laxative when taken in large doses but has a constipating effect in smaller ones.


 

Additional References

Rhubarb: a special plant.(Notes from the Northwoods) : An article from: Countryside & Small Stock Journal

Rodale's Garden Problem Solver : Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs

Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener : A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically