Divide and Replant Rhubarb Crowns in November: Tips and Advice for Healthier Growth

Dividing and replanting rhubarb crowns in November is an important task that helps rejuvenate older plants, improve growth, and increase your rhubarb yield. Rhubarb plants can become overcrowded and less productive over time, so dividing the crowns every 5 to 8 years helps to maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. By dividing and replanting during the dormant season, you give your rhubarb plants the best chance to establish themselves before the growing season begins in spring. In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how to divide and replant rhubarb crowns in November for vigorous growth and a plentiful harvest.

Why Divide and Replant Rhubarb Crowns in November?

November is the ideal time to divide rhubarb crowns because the plants are dormant, meaning they aren’t actively growing. Dividing during this time reduces stress on the plant and allows the roots to settle in the soil before the warmer weather returns. Dividing old, overcrowded crowns encourages the growth of new, vigorous shoots in spring, leading to better productivity and healthier plants. Replanting fresh divisions in nutrient-rich soil gives them a head start for the next growing season.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing and Replanting Rhubarb Crowns in November

Prepare Your Tools:

Use a sharp spade, garden fork, or knife for dividing the crowns. Ensure your tools are clean and sharp to make clean cuts, which reduces the risk of disease.

Lift the Rhubarb Crown:

Dig Around the Plant: Using a garden fork or spade, carefully dig around the rhubarb plant to loosen the soil. Be sure to dig wide enough to avoid damaging the roots. Lift the entire crown out of the ground gently.
Shake Off Excess Soil: Once the crown is out, shake off any excess soil so you can clearly see the root system.

Inspect the Crown:

Check for Health: Look for signs of healthy growth, such as firm, white or light-colored roots. Discard any parts of the crown that are diseased, damaged, or rotting. Healthy sections of the crown will have at least one or two buds (also called “eyes”) and a solid root structure.

Divide the Crown:

Cut into Sections: Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the crown into sections, ensuring each division has at least one or two healthy buds and a good portion of the root system. Avoid making divisions that are too small, as they may not establish well.
Remove Old or Dead Parts: Trim away any old, woody parts of the crown that are no longer productive. Focus on keeping the healthy, vigorous parts of the plant for replanting.

Replant the Divisions:

Choose a Sunny Location: Rhubarb thrives in full sun, so choose a well-drained, sunny spot for replanting the divided crowns. Make sure the soil is rich in organic matter, as rhubarb prefers nutrient-dense soil.
Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the divided crown. The hole should be deep enough so that the crown is planted just below the soil surface, with the buds about 1-2 inches below the surface.
Space the Divisions: Space each division about 3-4 feet apart to give the plants room to grow. This spacing allows for good air circulation and helps prevent overcrowding as the plants mature.

Water and Mulch:

Water the Plants: After planting, water the divisions thoroughly to help them settle into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as the roots establish.
Apply Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the base of the newly planted crowns. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots during the winter months.

Mark the Planting Area:

Label the Divisions: If you are planting multiple varieties or want to keep track of the newly planted divisions, mark the area with plant labels or stakes. This helps you identify the plants when they start to grow in the spring.

Benefits of Dividing and Replanting Rhubarb Crowns in November

Promotes Healthier Growth: Dividing old rhubarb crowns rejuvenates the plants and encourages the growth of new, vigorous shoots. This leads to better productivity and healthier rhubarb plants in the following growing seasons.
Prevents Overcrowding: Over time, rhubarb crowns can become overcrowded, which limits airflow and reduces the plant’s ability to produce large, healthy stalks. Dividing the crowns helps prevent overcrowding and allows each plant to thrive.
Encourages Higher Yields: By dividing and replanting, you create more productive plants, which can lead to higher yields of rhubarb stalks. Healthy, well-spaced plants are more likely to produce larger, tastier stalks.
Extends the Life of the Plant: Regularly dividing rhubarb crowns every 5 to 8 years extends the life of the plant by removing old, less productive sections and encouraging fresh growth.

Additional Tips for Dividing and Replanting Rhubarb Crowns in November

Don’t Harvest in the First Year: After dividing and replanting, give the new rhubarb divisions time to establish by avoiding harvesting in the first year. This allows the plant to focus on root and crown development, leading to stronger growth in the following years.
Fertilize in Spring: Once the divisions have established themselves, apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to provide the nutrients the plants need for strong growth and a healthy crop of rhubarb stalks.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases: While rhubarb is generally hardy, it’s important to monitor the plants for signs of pests or diseases, such as root rot or crown rot. Proper soil drainage and regular maintenance help prevent these issues.
Mulch Yearly: Continue to apply mulch around your rhubarb plants each year to keep the soil rich and moist. Mulching also helps suppress weeds, which can compete with rhubarb for nutrients.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How often should I divide rhubarb crowns?
Rhubarb crowns should be divided every 5 to 8 years, depending on how crowded and productive the plants are. If you notice reduced growth or overcrowding, it’s time to divide and replant the crowns.

Q2: Can I divide rhubarb in the spring instead of November?
While spring is also a good time to divide rhubarb, November is ideal because the plants are dormant, reducing stress on the plant. Dividing in the fall allows the roots to establish before the next growing season.

Q3: How many buds should each division have?
Each division should have at least one or two healthy buds (eyes) and a portion of the root system to ensure it establishes well and produces strong growth.

Q4: How deep should I plant rhubarb divisions?
Plant rhubarb divisions with the buds about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can cause the crown to rot, so ensure the buds are just under the soil line.

Q5: How long does it take for newly divided rhubarb to produce stalks?
Newly divided rhubarb plants typically need a year to establish before they start producing harvestable stalks. Avoid harvesting in the first year to give the plants time to develop strong roots and crowns.