Rhubarb Growing Tips: How to Grow Healthy and Productive Plants

Introduction

Rhubarb is a gardener’s favorite—a hardy perennial that’s easy to grow and offers delicious stalks for pies, crumbles, and preserves. With its striking red stalks and lush foliage, rhubarb is both a functional and ornamental addition to any garden. While rhubarb is low maintenance, following the right growing tips will ensure healthier plants and larger harvests year after year.

This guide covers everything you need to know about growing rhubarb, from planting and care to harvesting and troubleshooting common problems.

Why Grow Rhubarb?

Perennial Crop: Rhubarb comes back every year, making it a long-term investment for your garden.
Versatile Uses: Its tangy stalks are perfect for desserts, jams, and savory dishes.
Hardy Plant: Rhubarb thrives in cool climates and tolerates frost.
Aesthetic Appeal: With its bold foliage and colorful stalks, rhubarb adds visual interest to any garden.

Essential Rhubarb Growing Tips

1. Choose the Right Location

Sunlight: Rhubarb grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Spacing: Plant rhubarb at least 3-4 feet apart to allow space for its large leaves.
Drainage: Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause crown rot.

2. Prepare the Soil

Rich Soil: Rhubarb thrives in nutrient-rich soil with plenty of organic matter.
pH Level: Aim for slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
Add Compost: Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost into the soil before planting.

3. Plant at the Right Time

Bare-Root Crowns: Plant in late autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Potted Rhubarb: Can be planted throughout the growing season, though spring and autumn are best.

4. Water Consistently

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to crown rot.

5. Feed Annually

In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted manure to boost growth.
Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and thin stalks.

6. Mulch for Success

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, around the base of the plant.
Mulching retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and provides nutrients as it breaks down.

7. Remove Flower Stalks

If your rhubarb starts to flower (bolt), cut off the flower stalks immediately to redirect energy into growing edible stalks.

8. Divide and Rejuvenate Crowns

Divide rhubarb crowns every 5-7 years to maintain plant vigor.
Replant the divisions in fresh, nutrient-rich soil.

9. Protect from Frost

Rhubarb is frost-hardy, but young shoots can be damaged by late frosts. Use cloches or fleece to protect emerging stalks.

10. Harvest Responsibly

Avoid harvesting rhubarb in its first year to allow the plant to establish.
In subsequent years, harvest only one-third of the stalks at a time to avoid stressing the plant.

How to Plant Rhubarb

1. Planting Bare-Root Crowns

Dig a hole 12 inches deep and wide.
Mix compost or manure into the soil at the base of the hole.
Place the crown with buds facing upward, just above the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, firm lightly, and water thoroughly.

2. Planting Potted Rhubarb

Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots.
Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil and water well.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Thin Stalks

Cause: Overcrowding, poor nutrition, or insufficient sunlight.
Solution: Divide overcrowded crowns, feed the plant, and ensure it gets adequate sunlight.

2. Crown Rot

Cause: Overwatering or planting too deeply.
Solution: Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant crowns with buds just above the soil surface.

3. Flowering (Bolting)

Cause: Stress from drought, overcrowding, or age.
Solution: Remove flower stalks and keep the plant well-watered. Divide older crowns to rejuvenate growth.

4. Yellow Leaves

Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.
Solution: Improve drainage, reduce watering, and feed with a balanced fertilizer.

5. Pest Damage

Common Pests: Slugs, snails, and aphids.
Solution: Use organic slug deterrents, hand-pick pests, and encourage natural predators like birds.

Seasonal Care Tips

1. Spring

Fertilize and mulch the plant as new growth begins.
Protect young shoots from frost with cloches or fleece.

2. Summer

Water regularly during dry spells and harvest stalks responsibly.
Stop harvesting by mid-July to allow the plant to replenish energy reserves.

3. Autumn

Cut back dead foliage and mulch the crown to prepare for winter.
Divide and replant overcrowded crowns if necessary.

4. Winter

Allow the plant to rest during dormancy.
Protect the crown with a thick layer of mulch in regions with severe frosts.

FAQs About Growing Rhubarb

1. How long does rhubarb take to grow?

Rhubarb takes 1-2 years to establish before producing a full harvest.

2. Can rhubarb grow in shade?

Rhubarb tolerates partial shade but produces better yields in full sun.

3. How often should I water rhubarb?

Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells.

4. When should I harvest rhubarb?

Harvest stalks in spring and early summer, avoiding late-season harvesting to protect the plant.

5. Why is my rhubarb flowering?

Flowering occurs due to stress, overcrowding, or age. Remove flower stalks to maintain productivity.

6. How do I divide rhubarb?

Dig up the crown in early spring or late autumn and split it into sections with at least one healthy bud each.

7. Can I grow rhubarb in pots?

Yes, use a large pot with well-draining soil and provide regular feeding and watering.

8. How do I prevent crown rot?

Ensure good drainage and plant the crown with buds just above the soil surface.

9. What is the best fertilizer for rhubarb?

Use a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted manure in early spring.

10. How long does a rhubarb plant live?

With proper care, rhubarb plants can produce for 10-20 years.

Conclusion

Growing rhubarb is easy and rewarding when you follow the right tips. From choosing the ideal location to proper planting, feeding, and care, these strategies will ensure your rhubarb remains healthy and productive for years to come. With a little effort, you can enjoy abundant harvests of delicious, homegrown rhubarb.

Start planting rhubarb today and experience the joy of cultivating this hardy perennial!