Rhubarb Plants: A Complete Guide to Growing, Caring, and Harvesting

Introduction

Rhubarb plants are a popular choice for gardeners who love their bold, tart flavor and striking visual appeal. Known for their vibrant stalks and large leaves, rhubarb plants are hardy perennials that thrive in temperate climates like the UK. With minimal maintenance, rhubarb plants can produce delicious stalks year after year, making them a rewarding addition to any garden.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and harvesting rhubarb plants, as well as troubleshooting common issues.

Why Choose Rhubarb Plants?

1. Hardy Perennial: Rhubarb plants are durable and thrive in cooler climates.
2. Low Maintenance: Once established, rhubarb requires very little care.
3. Long Lifespan: Rhubarb plants can live and produce for 10-15 years or more.
4. Versatile Crop: Perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.
5. Decorative Appeal: Rhubarb’s large leaves and red stalks add ornamental value to your garden.

Popular Varieties of Rhubarb Plants

1. Timperley Early

• Description: An early-producing variety with tender, pink-red stalks.
• Best For: Early spring harvesting.

2. Victoria

• Description: A traditional, heavy-cropping variety with thick, greenish-red stalks.
• Best For: Consistent yields and long harvests.

3. Champagne

• Description: Known for its slender, sweet stalks and deep red color.
• Best For: Desserts and preserves.

4. Glaskins Perpetual

• Description: Produces stalks late into the season, offering a longer harvest period.
• Best For: Continuous harvesting throughout summer.

Where to Grow Rhubarb Plants

1. In the Garden

• Sunlight: Rhubarb thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Needs rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
• Space: Allow 3-4 feet between plants to accommodate their large size.

2. In Containers

• Use large containers (at least 18 inches deep and wide) to grow rhubarb.
• Ensure the pots have adequate drainage and are filled with nutrient-rich soil.

When to Plant Rhubarb Plants

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 at any time during the growing season, though spring and autumn are ideal.

3. From Seed

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

How to Plant Rhubarb Plants

1. Planting Bare-Root Crowns

1. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the crown.
2. Place the crown with the buds facing upward, just above the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
4. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for growth.

2. Planting Potted Rhubarb Plants

• 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.
• Water well after planting.

3. Planting Rhubarb Seeds

1. Sow seeds 1cm deep in pots of seed compost.
2. Keep the compost moist and place pots in a warm, bright location.
3. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are 10-15cm tall and after the last frost.

Caring for Rhubarb Plants

1. Watering

• Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year.
• Avoid waterlogging, as rhubarb dislikes soggy conditions.

2. Mulching

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

3. Fertilizing

• Feed rhubarb plants with a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted manure in early spring.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of stalks.

4. Removing Flower Stalks

• Remove flower stalks as soon as they appear to redirect energy to the edible stalks.

Harvesting Rhubarb

1. When to Harvest:

• Avoid harvesting in the plant’s first year to allow it to establish.
• Harvest from mid-spring to late summer starting in the second year.

2. How to Harvest:

1. Hold the stalk near the base and gently pull with a twisting motion.
2. Alternatively, cut the stalk at the base with a sharp knife.
3. Do not harvest more than one-third of the plant’s stalks at a time to avoid weakening it.

3. Harvesting Tips:

• Only harvest stalks that are 12-18 inches long.
• Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be consumed.

Overwintering Rhubarb Plants

• 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 with Rhubarb Plants

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 plant.

3. Weak Growth

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

4. Yellow Leaves

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.
• Solution: Improve soil drainage and adjust watering and fertilizing practices.

FAQs About Rhubarb Plants

1. How long do rhubarb plants live?
Rhubarb plants can live for 10-20 years with proper care.

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

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

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

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

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

7. Should I remove flower stalks?
Yes, removing flower stalks ensures the plant focuses energy on growing stalks.

8. How often should I water rhubarb plants?
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering.

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

10. Is rhubarb safe to eat?
The stalks are safe to eat, but the leaves are toxic and should never be consumed.

Conclusion

Rhubarb plants are a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden. With minimal maintenance, they provide delicious, tangy stalks year after year for a variety of culinary uses. Whether you’re planting bare-root crowns, potted plants, or starting from seed, following this guide will ensure your rhubarb plants thrive and produce bountiful harvests.

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