Saving and Dividing Rhubarb Crowns for Friends and Neighbors
One of the oldest garden traditions is passing rhubarb crowns around your community. Dividing rhubarb doesn’t just keep your own patch productive; it’s also the easiest way to share the joy of homegrown stalks with friends, neighbors, and fellow gardeners. Here’s how to dig, split, and give away healthy rhubarb divisions—keeping the rhubarb circle growing strong!
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Why Divide and Share Rhubarb?
- Rejuvenate old patches—division keeps plants young, big-stemmed, and disease-resistant.
- Prevent overcrowding—old clumps can become woody, thin, and unproductive.
- Spread the love—rhubarb divisions are sturdy, transplant easily, and usually establish well with a little care.
When to Divide and Save Rhubarb Crowns
- Best timing: Late autumn after leaf die-back, or early spring as buds swell but before new growth surges.
How to Divide Rhubarb Crowns—Step-by-Step
1. Choose a Mature Crown
- Select a healthy plant at least 4–5 years old.
2. Lift the Crown
- Use a strong spade or fork to dig around and under the crown.
- Gently prise the entire clump out of the soil.
3. Split Into Sections
- Slice or chop with a spade or large knife.
- Aim for pieces with at least one large, healthy “bud” (eye) and plenty of thick roots.
- Discard rotted, dry, or hollow sections.
4. Prepare Divisions for Replanting or Giving Away
- Trim any damaged roots.
- Keep divisions moist and shaded until planting—wrap in damp newspaper for transport.
- Label if possible: variety, age, and any special planting tips.
5. How to Plant Rhubarb Divisions
- Plant with the bud just below soil level.
- Water in well and mulch lightly.
- Remind recipients not to harvest stalks for the first year!
Tips for Sharing Rhubarb
- Offer extra tips or care cards with each division—help beginners succeed!
- Group-dividing is a great fall or spring social activity in community gardens or allotments.
- Crowns from robust, proven plants make great gifts for schools, neighbors, or new growers.
Troubleshooting
- If a division fails to sprout, it was likely too small or suffered root/bud damage; always send a backup if possible!
- Share only healthy, disease-free crowns to prevent spreading problems.
Wrapping Up
Sharing rhubarb crowns is a friendship tradition—gardens (and gardeners) benefit for years. Your divided patch will be more productive, and your neighbor’s garden will be that much sweeter.