How to Grow Rhubarb: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Rhubarb is a delicious and versatile plant that’s easy to grow in a variety of settings, from traditional garden beds to containers. Its tart stalks are perfect for pies, crumbles, jams, and even savory dishes, making it a favorite among gardeners and cooks alike. Once established, rhubarb is a hardy perennial that requires minimal maintenance and rewards you with abundant harvests year after year.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow rhubarb, from planting and care to harvesting and troubleshooting common issues.

Why Grow Rhubarb?

Hardy Perennial: Rhubarb is easy to grow and thrives in most climates.
Low Maintenance: Once established, rhubarb requires very little care.
Long-Lasting: A single rhubarb plant can produce for 10 years or more.
Versatile: Rhubarb is perfect for desserts, jams, sauces, and savory dishes.
Attractive Plant: Its large, decorative leaves and vibrant stalks add visual interest to your garden.

Best Rhubarb Varieties to Grow

1. Timperley Early

Description: Early maturing with tender, pink-red stalks.
Best For: Harvesting in early spring.

2. Victoria

Description: A traditional variety with thick, greenish-red stalks.
Best For: Heavy cropping and consistent yields.

3. Glaskins Perpetual

Description: Produces sweet stalks late into the season.
Best For: Extending your rhubarb harvest.

4. Champagne

Description: Known for its sweet flavor and slender, deep red stalks.
Best For: Desserts and jams.

Where to Grow Rhubarb

1. In the Garden

Sunlight: Rhubarb thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Requires rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Space: Allow at least 3-4 feet of space between plants for proper growth.

2. In Containers

Use a large pot, at least 18 inches deep and wide, to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Ensure the pot has good drainage and is filled with nutrient-rich soil.

When to Plant Rhubarb

1. Bare-Root Crowns

Plant bare-root rhubarb crowns in late autumn or early spring when the soil is workable.

2. Potted Rhubarb Plants

These can be planted anytime during the growing season, although spring and autumn are ideal.

3. From Seed

Sow rhubarb seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost.

How to Plant Rhubarb

1. Planting Bare-Root Crowns

Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the crown.
Place the crown in the hole with the buds facing upwards, just above soil level.
Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their large growth.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

2. Planting Potted Rhubarb

Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Water well after planting.

3. Planting Rhubarb Seeds

Sow seeds 1cm deep in pots filled with seed compost.
Keep the soil moist and place pots in a warm, bright location.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once they’re 10-15cm tall and after the last frost.

Caring for Rhubarb

1. Watering

Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the plant’s first year.
Avoid overwatering, as rhubarb dislikes waterlogged soil.

2. Mulching

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the base of the plant.
Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the plant.

3. Feeding

In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted manure around the plant.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth.

4. Removing Flower Stalks

Cut off flower stalks as soon as they appear to redirect the plant’s energy into growing stalks.

Harvesting Rhubarb

1. When to Harvest:

Do not harvest rhubarb in its first year to allow the plant to establish.
Begin harvesting in the second year, typically from mid-spring to late summer.

2. How to Harvest:

Hold the stalk near the base and gently pull with a twisting motion.
Alternatively, cut the stalk at the base with a sharp knife.
Never harvest more than one-third of the stalks at a time to avoid weakening the plant.

3. Harvesting Tips:

Only harvest stalks that are 12-18 inches long.
Avoid eating rhubarb leaves, as they are toxic due to high levels of oxalic acid.

Overwintering Rhubarb

In late autumn, cut back dead leaves and apply a thick layer of mulch over the crown to protect it from frost.
Forcing rhubarb: Cover the crown with a forcing pot or upturned bucket in late winter to encourage early, tender stalks.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Crown Rot

Cause: Waterlogged soil or poor drainage.
Solution: Plant rhubarb in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

2. Slugs and Snails

Cause: Slugs and snails feed on young shoots.
Solution: Use slug deterrents, traps, or copper tape around the base of the plant.

3. Weak Growth

Cause: Nutrient deficiency or overcrowding.
Solution: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer and divide overcrowded crowns.

FAQs About Growing Rhubarb

1. How long does it take for rhubarb to grow?
Rhubarb takes about two years to establish before producing a significant harvest.

2. Can I grow rhubarb in pots?
Yes, rhubarb grows well in large containers with nutrient-rich soil.

3. How do I protect rhubarb from frost?
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the crown in late autumn or cover it with fleece.

4. When should I divide rhubarb plants?
Divide rhubarb plants in early spring or autumn every 5-7 years to maintain vigor.

5. Can I grow rhubarb from seed?
Yes, but growing from seed takes longer to establish than planting crowns.

6. What’s the best fertilizer for rhubarb?
Use a balanced fertilizer in spring and add compost or manure as a mulch.

7. How do I stop rhubarb from flowering?
Cut off flower stalks as soon as they appear to redirect energy to the stems.

8. How often should I water rhubarb?
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

9. How long do rhubarb plants live?
With proper care, rhubarb plants can live for 10-20 years.

10. Can rhubarb grow in shade?
Rhubarb prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Conclusion

Rhubarb is a resilient and rewarding plant to grow, perfect for gardeners of all experience levels. Once established, rhubarb will produce delicious, tangy stalks year after year with minimal maintenance. Whether you’re planting crowns, seeds, or potted plants, following this guide will help you grow rhubarb successfully.

Start growing rhubarb today and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown crop!