Dividing Rhubarb in October: Tips and Advice for a Healthy and Productive Patch

October is an excellent time to divide your rhubarb plants, especially if they’ve become overcrowded or if you want to propagate new plants for your garden. Dividing rhubarb helps rejuvenate older plants, encouraging healthier growth and more abundant harvests in the coming years. This process also gives you the opportunity to expand your rhubarb patch or share divisions with friends and family. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully divide rhubarb in October and provide tips to ensure a productive and thriving rhubarb patch next season.

Why Dividing Rhubarb in October Is Beneficial

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that can live for many years, but as it matures, the crowns can become crowded, reducing the plant’s vigor and productivity. Dividing rhubarb every 5 to 7 years refreshes the plant, giving it more space to grow and producing healthier, more robust stalks. October is an ideal time to divide rhubarb because the plants are going dormant for winter, allowing them to settle in before winter and start strong in the spring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Rhubarb in October

1. Prepare the Area: Before you start dividing your rhubarb, prepare the new planting site or clear space for the divisions in your existing rhubarb patch. Rhubarb prefers rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Make sure the site is in full sun or partial shade.
2. Dig Up the Rhubarb Crown: Carefully dig up the entire rhubarb crown using a garden fork or spade. Start by digging a circle around the plant, a few inches away from the base, to avoid damaging the roots. Gently lift the crown from the soil, keeping as much of the root system intact as possible.
3. Divide the Crown: Use a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the rhubarb crown into sections. Each section should have at least one strong bud (also called an “eye”) and several healthy roots attached. If the crown is very large, you can divide it into multiple sections. Be sure to discard any portions of the crown that are soft, rotting, or diseased.
4. Plant the Divisions: Replant the divisions immediately, either in the original location or in a new spot. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots, and place the crown so that the buds are just below the surface of the soil. Cover with soil, press down gently, and water thoroughly.
5. Mulch for Winter Protection: After planting, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or compost, around the newly planted divisions. Mulch helps retain moisture, insulates the roots, and protects the plants from frost over the winter.
6. Water the Divisions: Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Continue to water lightly during dry spells throughout the fall to help the plants establish strong root systems before winter.

Caring for Divided Rhubarb Plants

• Allow the Plants to Settle: After dividing and replanting, avoid harvesting rhubarb stalks from the newly divided plants during the first growing season. This allows the plants to fully establish themselves and build up strength for future harvests.
• Fertilize in Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around the base of the plants to encourage strong growth. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder, so providing rich nutrients will result in healthier, more productive plants.
• Maintain Regular Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly in the spring and summer, to support the plants’ growth. Mulching in the fall will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

When to Divide Rhubarb

Rhubarb can be divided in either early spring or fall, but October is often preferred because the plants are going dormant for winter. Dividing in fall gives the plants time to establish strong roots before winter, ensuring vigorous growth in the following spring. Dividing in October also minimizes stress on the plant, as it will be less actively growing compared to the spring.

Additional Tips for Dividing Rhubarb

• Divide Every 5-7 Years: For best results, divide your rhubarb plants every 5 to 7 years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
• Choose Strong, Healthy Plants: When dividing rhubarb, select plants that are at least 3-4 years old and have several healthy buds. Younger plants may not have developed enough to divide successfully.
• Space the Plants: When replanting the divisions, space them about 3 feet apart to allow room for growth. Rhubarb plants can spread and grow large, so giving them plenty of space will ensure better airflow and reduce the risk of disease.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How do I know when my rhubarb needs to be divided?
Rhubarb should be divided every 5-7 years or when the plant becomes overcrowded, produces smaller stalks, or shows reduced growth. Dividing helps rejuvenate the plant and encourages more productive growth.

Q2: Can I divide rhubarb in spring instead of fall?
Yes, you can divide rhubarb in early spring before new growth begins. However, October is ideal because the plant is entering dormancy, giving the divisions time to establish roots over winter.

Q3: How deep should I plant rhubarb divisions?
Plant rhubarb divisions so that the buds are just below the soil surface, with the roots buried deep enough to keep the plant stable. Cover with soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots.

Q4: How soon can I harvest rhubarb after dividing it?
Avoid harvesting rhubarb in the first year after dividing. This gives the plant time to recover and establish strong roots. You can begin harvesting in the second year.

Q5: What should I do if my rhubarb crown is rotting or diseased?
If part of the rhubarb crown is soft, rotting, or diseased, remove and discard that section. Only replant healthy portions of the crown with strong roots and buds.