Growing Rhubarb in November: Your Complete Guide to Cultivating this Tart Delight

Rhubarb, often celebrated for its tangy flavor and versatility in the kitchen, is a perennial plant that can bring life to your garden and your meals. While many gardeners consider rhubarb a spring crop, November is an excellent time to prepare your garden for this robust plant. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about growing rhubarb in November, from choosing the right varieties and preparing your garden to planting, caring for, and harvesting this unique vegetable.

Why Grow Rhubarb in November?

Growing rhubarb in November has several advantages:

• Root Establishment: Planting in November allows the roots to establish themselves during the cooler months, leading to healthier plants and more abundant harvests in spring.
• Cold Hardiness: Rhubarb is a cold-hardy plant that can withstand freezing temperatures. Planting in late fall can help prepare it for the growing season ahead.
• Reduced Competition: The cooler temperatures in November reduce weed growth, providing a more favorable environment for young rhubarb plants to thrive.

Choosing the Right Rhubarb Varieties

When planting rhubarb in November, it’s essential to select varieties known for their hardiness and adaptability to your climate. Here are some recommended varieties:

1. Victoria: One of the most popular varieties, Victoria rhubarb is known for its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red stalks. It is very hardy and can withstand colder temperatures.
2. Crimson Cherry: This variety produces beautiful, deep red stalks and has a slightly sweeter flavor. It is also known for its high yield and disease resistance.
3. German Wine: With its unique flavor profile and pinkish-red stalks, German Wine rhubarb is an excellent choice for making jams and desserts. It’s a hardy variety that thrives in colder climates.
4. Timperley Early: This variety is well-known for its early harvest, producing tender stalks that are perfect for pies and sauces. It is very adaptable and can handle various growing conditions.
5. Fall Red: As the name suggests, this variety is particularly suited for fall planting. Fall Red rhubarb produces vibrant red stalks and is known for its robust growth.

Preparing Your Garden for November Rhubarb Planting

Proper preparation of your garden is key to successful rhubarb cultivation. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choosing the Right Location

Select a spot in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Rhubarb thrives in sunny areas but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.

2. Soil Requirements

Rhubarb prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Conduct a soil test to assess pH and nutrient levels. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, will enhance fertility and drainage.

3. Preparing the Soil

1. Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting site to minimize competition and the risk of pests and diseases.
2. Tilling: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm). This promotes good root development and enhances drainage.
3. Soil Amendments: Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient content. You can also add a balanced fertilizer to promote growth.

4. Mulching

Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This is especially beneficial during the winter months.

Planting Rhubarb in November

Once your garden is prepared, it’s time to plant your rhubarb. Here’s how to do it:

1. Timing

The best time to plant rhubarb in November is after the first frost. This ensures that the plants are dormant and ready to establish their roots in cooler soil.

2. Planting Method

1. Digging Holes: Space the holes about 3-4 feet apart, as rhubarb plants can spread significantly. Each hole should be deep enough to accommodate the root crown.
2. Placement: Place the rhubarb plant in the hole, ensuring that the crown (the part where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. If planted too deep, the crown can rot.
3. Backfilling: Fill the hole with soil, making sure there are no air pockets. Gently pat down the soil around the roots, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
4. Watering: Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the early stages of growth.

Caring for Rhubarb During Winter

After planting your rhubarb in November, it will require minimal care during the winter months. However, here are some essential steps to ensure its survival:

1. Watering

While rhubarb is relatively drought-tolerant, it’s essential to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Check the soil occasionally, and water deeply if it feels dry.

2. Mulching for Insulation

Ensure your mulch layer is thick enough (about 3-4 inches) to protect the roots from extreme cold. Organic mulch will help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

3. Pruning

In late fall, after the plants have gone dormant, perform some light pruning. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth in the spring.

4. Pest and Disease Management

While pests and diseases are less of a concern during winter, it’s still a good idea to inspect your plants occasionally. Look for signs of pests such as aphids or slugs and take action if necessary.

Spring Care for Your Rhubarb

As winter gives way to spring, your rhubarb plants will emerge from dormancy. Here’s how to care for them during this critical time:

1. Fertilization

In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer to provide your rhubarb plants with the nutrients they need for vigorous growth. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal for promoting leaf development.

2. Watering

As temperatures rise, ensure your rhubarb receives adequate water. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall. Consistent moisture is essential for optimal growth.

3. Supporting Growth

Consider adding stakes or supports for larger rhubarb plants, especially if they begin to lean under the weight of their leaves. This can help prevent damage and promote better air circulation.

4. Weeding

Regularly check the area around your rhubarb for weeds. Hand-pull or use mulch to suppress weed growth, ensuring your plants have access to all available nutrients.

Harvesting Rhubarb

The time for harvesting rhubarb usually falls in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate and the variety planted. Here’s what you need to know:

1. When to Harvest

Rhubarb stalks are typically ready for harvest when they reach about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in length. Harvest should begin only in the second year after planting to allow the plants to establish a strong root system.

2. How to Harvest

Gently twist or pull the stalks from the base, ensuring not to damage the crown. Cut the stalks with a sharp knife for a cleaner cut, and be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continued growth.

3. Post-Harvest Care

After harvesting, store rhubarb in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider blanching and freezing the stalks. Wash the rhubarb, cut it into desired sizes, blanch in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then cool in ice water before freezing.

Common Problems and Solutions When Growing Rhubarb

Even seasoned gardeners may face challenges when growing rhubarb. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

1. Pests

Rhubarb can be susceptible to pests like aphids, slugs, and crown borers. Regularly inspect your plants and use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to manage infestations.

2. Diseases

Fungal diseases such as crown rot and leaf spot can affect rhubarb. Ensure good air circulation by spacing your plants properly and avoid overhead watering to minimize humidity levels. If disease occurs, remove affected plant parts immediately.

3. Poor Growth

If your rhubarb plants are not growing well, it may be due to poor soil quality, insufficient water, or lack of nutrients. Conduct a soil test to assess nutrient levels and amend as necessary. Ensure consistent watering and consider adding organic matter to improve soil quality.

4. Flowering

While rhubarb produces flowers, they can detract from the quality of the stalks. If you notice flowering, remove the flower stalks promptly to redirect the plant’s energy back to leaf and stalk growth.

Companion Planting with Rhubarb

Companion planting can help maximize your garden’s potential by pairing plants that benefit each other. Rhubarb can be effectively grown alongside several other vegetables and herbs, including:

• Strawberries: These two plants grow well together, and their flavors complement each other in desserts.
• Onions: Onions can help deter pests that may harm rhubarb.
• Garlic: Similar to onions, garlic can repel various pests while benefiting from the nearby rhubarb.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Unique Flavors of Rhubarb

Growing rhubarb in November can be a rewarding experience for

any gardener. With the right preparation, planting, and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable for many years to come. From choosing the best varieties to understanding how to care for your plants through winter and into spring, this guide provides all the information you need to successfully grow rhubarb in your garden.

So, if you’re ready to embark on your rhubarb-growing adventure, grab your gardening tools, select your favorite varieties, and get started this November. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon be enjoying the tart and delicious rewards of your hard work in your culinary creations!

Check out lots more to grow in November here