Day: August 24, 2020

Rhubarb Plants for Sale: Your Complete Guide to Selecting, Growing, and Enjoying This Versatile Crop

Introduction
Rhubarb, with its distinctive tart flavor and vibrant pink-red stalks, is a long-standing favorite in British gardens and kitchens. Although technically a vegetable, rhubarb is often treated like a fruit and frequently appears in sweet dishes—from classic crumbles and pies to jams and sauces. If you love rhubarb’s unique taste, it may be time to consider growing your own plants at home. Finding rhubarb plants for sale, however, can bring up many questions: Which varieties are best? Where should you buy from? How do you ensure that the plants you choose are healthy and productive?

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of purchasing rhubarb plants, from understanding the different varieties available on the market to selecting reputable suppliers and ensuring your new plants thrive once they arrive. We’ll cover planting techniques, essential maintenance tips, common pests and diseases, and harvesting practices to give you the confidence to invest in rhubarb plants that will reward you for years to come. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to select the perfect rhubarb plants for sale and turn them into a long-term garden success story.

Why Grow Rhubarb at Home?

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that, once established, can provide a steady harvest for a decade or more. Its bold, oversized leaves and reddish stalks add ornamental interest to your garden, while its early harvest time—often beginning as early as March—makes it one of the first crops of the season.

Growing rhubarb at home also grants you complete control over the plant’s care. You can ensure it’s cultivated organically, without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and pick its stalks at the perfect moment for peak flavor and tenderness. Plus, once you establish a productive rhubarb patch, you’ll enjoy an abundant supply of this versatile crop for crumbles, chutneys, cordials, and more.

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Understanding Rhubarb Varieties

Before searching for rhubarb plants for sale, it’s essential to understand the different varieties available. Rhubarb varieties often differ in stalk color, flavor intensity, and harvest times. Some popular varieties include:

1. Timperley Early: A UK favorite, Timperley Early is among the earliest rhubarb varieties, often ready to harvest several weeks before others. Its pinkish-red stems and delicate flavor make it perfect for spring desserts.
2. Victoria: One of the most traditional and widely grown rhubarb varieties, Victoria is known for its long, thick stalks with a greenish-pink hue. It has a robust, slightly sharp flavor and is a reliable mainstay for many gardeners.
3. Stockbridge Arrow: Offering tall, upright stems with a vibrant pink color, Stockbridge Arrow is prized for its strong yields and sweet, pleasantly tangy taste. It’s a great option if you want visually striking stems in your garden beds.
4. Champagne: This variety features slender, bright red stalks and a sweeter flavor than many other rhubarb types. Champagne works exceptionally well for forcing (growing under cover to produce tender, pale stems), which results in a more delicate taste and texture.
5. Glaskins Perpetual: Known for its long harvest window, Glaskins Perpetual produces bright red stalks with a well-balanced flavor. It’s a good choice if you want a continuous supply of rhubarb deep into the season.

Selecting a variety that suits your culinary preferences, harvest timing needs, and aesthetic tastes will ensure you’re delighted with your purchase.

Where to Find Rhubarb Plants for Sale

1. Local Garden Centers and Nurseries:
Visiting a reputable nursery allows you to inspect the plants before buying. You can choose healthy rhubarb crowns or potted plants with strong buds and no signs of disease. Knowledgeable staff can offer personalized guidance on local growing conditions and recommendations.

2. Online Nurseries and Mail-Order Suppliers:
A wide range of rhubarb varieties is often easier to find online. Reputable websites and mail-order catalogs typically offer detailed descriptions, growing tips, and reviews from other gardeners. Look for well-established suppliers with positive ratings, clear return policies, and transparent customer service practices.

3. Farmers’ Markets and Plant Fairs:
Specialty plant fairs, farmers’ markets, and gardening events sometimes feature small-scale growers selling quality rhubarb plants. Talking directly with the grower can give you insight into how the plants were grown and which varieties thrive in your region.

4. Divisions from Other Gardeners:
If you know someone who already grows rhubarb, they may be willing to share divisions from their established crowns. This can be a cost-effective and community-oriented way to acquire healthy rhubarb plants.

Choosing Healthy Rhubarb Plants

When purchasing rhubarb plants, look for the following signs of health and vigor:

• Firm, Plump Buds: Rhubarb crowns should have several thick, well-formed buds. Avoid crowns that appear dried out, moldy, or shriveled.
• No Pests or Diseases: Inspect for signs of insect infestation or fungal growth. Wilting leaves or soft, mushy areas on the crown are warning signs.
• Appropriate Size: A healthy rhubarb crown is often about the size of a fist, with multiple buds. Young potted plants should have firm stems and robust foliage.
• Accurate Labeling: Ensure you’re buying a named variety that matches your preference. Clear, reliable labeling is more common among reputable suppliers.

Planting Your Rhubarb

Soil Preparation:
Rhubarb plants are heavy feeders, preferring fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, loosen the soil to at least 30cm deep, removing any weeds or debris. Add plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0-7.0) is ideal.

Planting Position:
Rhubarb thrives in full sun or partial shade, but more sunlight encourages stronger growth and higher yields. Ensure you have enough space for your rhubarb patch, as plants can spread to about 1m wide. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas, as rhubarb does not tolerate soggy conditions.

How to Plant:

• Planting Crowns: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the crown and roots without bending them. Position the crown so the buds sit about 2-3cm below the soil surface. Gently backfill and firm the soil.
• Spacing: If you’re planting multiple rhubarb plants, space them at least 90-100cm apart in rows that are about 1m apart to allow for growth and airflow.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment period.

Caring for Your Rhubarb Plants

Watering and Feeding:
Consistent moisture is crucial for rhubarb, especially during its first growing season. Water deeply during dry spells, ensuring the soil never dries out completely. In spring, feed your plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer or well-rotted compost around the base to support healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.

Mulching:
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like straw, compost, or well-rotted manure break down over time, improving soil structure and fertility. Avoid piling mulch directly against the crown, as this can encourage rot.

Weeding:
Keep the area around your rhubarb patch free from weeds. Competition for nutrients and water can reduce yields and vigor. A light hoeing and hand pulling are usually sufficient for maintaining a weed-free space.

Forcing Rhubarb:
If you love tender, pale rhubarb stalks, consider forcing. In late winter, cover one or two crowns with a large pot or forcing jar to exclude light. After a few weeks, you’ll have tender, blanched stems with a delicate flavor. Don’t force the same crown every year, as it can stress the plant.

Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Rhubarb

Rhubarb is relatively hardy and resistant to many pests, but it’s not entirely immune:

• Slugs and Snails: These can chew holes in leaves and stems. Handpicking, using copper tape, or beer traps can help control them.
• Aphids: Sap-sucking insects that weaken plants. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds, or use an organic insecticidal soap if infestations are severe.
• Crown Rot and Fungal Diseases: Waterlogged soil or damaged crowns can lead to rot. Ensure proper drainage, and remove and discard infected plant material promptly.
• Viruses and Wilt: Rare but possible. If you notice severe stunting or unusual leaf patterns, consider removing the infected plant to prevent spread.

When and How to Harvest Rhubarb

Rhubarb generally needs at least one full growing season after planting before it’s ready for harvesting. Patience is key—giving the plant time to establish strong roots will result in healthier, more productive plants long-term.

Harvest Timing:

• Year One: Avoid harvesting to allow the crown to establish.
• Year Two: Pick a few stalks (no more than a third of the plant) to promote vigor.
• Year Three and Onward: Harvest more generously, taking care not to remove all stalks at once.

How to Harvest:
Grasp the stalk near the base and pull it gently but firmly away from the plant. Alternatively, use a knife to cut the stalk at the base. Only harvest firm, thick stalks—thin or spindly stalks indicate the plant may need more time or better nutrition. Immediately remove the large, inedible leaves, which contain oxalic acid. These leaves can be composted but should never be eaten.

Seasonal Notes:
Harvest usually spans from spring into early summer. By late summer, it’s best to allow the plant to rest and rebuild its energy stores for next year’s crop.

Storing and Using Your Rhubarb Harvest

Short-Term Storage:
Wrap freshly picked stalks in a damp cloth or place them in the fridge’s crisper drawer. They’ll keep for about a week.

Preservation Methods:

• Freezing: Slice rhubarb stalks into chunks and freeze them in airtight bags for use in crumbles, pies, and jams throughout the year.
• Jams and Preserves: Rhubarb’s high acidity makes it an excellent choice for preserves, chutneys, and compotes.
• Drying or Dehydrating: Less common, but possible. Dried rhubarb pieces can be rehydrated for sauces or teas.

Culinary Uses:
Rhubarb’s tartness pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients like strawberries, apples, and vanilla custard. It’s a star in pies, crumbles, tarts, jams, and sauces. You can also use rhubarb in savory dishes, braising it with meat or adding it to tangy relishes.

Dividing and Maintaining Long-Term Productivity

After several years, your rhubarb plant may become crowded, producing thinner stalks. Dividing the crown can rejuvenate the plant, extending its productive life. To divide rhubarb:

1. Timing: Early spring or autumn, when the plant is dormant, is best for division.
2. Method: Lift the entire crown with a garden fork. Use a sharp spade or knife to cut it into sections, ensuring each division has at least one healthy bud.
3. Replanting: Plant divisions as you would a new crown, enrich the soil, and water well.

Regular division every 6-8 years keeps your patch vigorous and productive.

Sustainable Rhubarb Cultivation Practices

Consider adopting sustainable methods when growing rhubarb:

• Organic Fertilizers: Use compost, well-rotted manure, or seaweed-based feeds.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Water your rhubarb plants using collected rainwater to reduce your environmental footprint.
• Natural Pest Control: Encourage beneficial insects and use physical barriers rather than chemical pesticides.

By growing rhubarb sustainably, you help preserve soil health, biodiversity, and the long-term resilience of your garden.

Conclusion

Rhubarb plants for sale are abundant, but knowing what to look for and how to care for your chosen variety makes all the difference in achieving a productive rhubarb patch. With the right variety selection, careful planting, proper maintenance, and a little patience, you can enjoy a steady supply of flavor-packed rhubarb stalks year after year. Whether you’re simmering them into a sweet jam, folding them into a flaky pastry, or forcing a delicate, blanched harvest for gourmet treats, homegrown rhubarb offers unparalleled freshness and flavor. Armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to find the perfect rhubarb plants for sale and turn them into a rewarding, long-term addition to your garden.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Rhubarb Plants for Sale

1. When is the best time to buy rhubarb plants?
   Late winter to early spring is ideal, as many nurseries offer fresh crowns at this time. This gives you a head start on establishing your plants before the growing season.
2. Can I grow rhubarb in containers?
   Yes, you can, but choose a large, deep pot to accommodate the plant’s extensive root system. Regular feeding and watering are essential for container-grown rhubarb.
3. How quickly will newly planted rhubarb produce a harvest?
   Typically, you should wait at least one year before harvesting. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system. By the second or third year, you can enjoy more substantial harvests.
4. Is forced rhubarb a specific variety or a technique?
   Forcing is a technique, not a variety. It involves covering an established crown to exclude light, producing pale, tender stems. Certain varieties like Champagne are well-suited to forcing.
5. How do I know if a supplier is reputable?
   Look for positive customer reviews, clear growing instructions, and established histories of selling healthy, disease-free plants. A generous return or replacement policy is also a good sign.
6. Why are some rhubarb stalks red and others greenish?
   Different varieties have different natural colors. Some are predominantly red, while others have greener stalks. Both are edible; color differences often reflect subtle flavor variations.
7. Do I need to remove the flower stalks from my rhubarb?
   Yes. Removing flower stalks directs the plant’s energy back into producing stalks rather than seeds, improving overall yield and vigor.
8. Is it okay to eat rhubarb leaves?
   No, rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and are toxic. Always remove and discard leaves, using only the stalks in cooking.
9. How often should I divide my rhubarb plants?
   Dividing every 6-8 years helps maintain vigorous growth and encourages thicker stalks. If you notice reduced yields or thinner stalks, it may be time to divide.
10. Can I grow multiple rhubarb varieties in the same garden?
    Absolutely. Growing several varieties can give you staggered harvest times, flavor diversity, and vibrant color differences for culinary exploration.

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