Rhubarb Plant Info
Rhubarb thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10, with perennials doing well in zones 3-6 and annuals in zones 7-10. The ideal soil conditions for rhubarb include clay, loam, or sandy textures, a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8, and good drainage. Rich organic matter also benefits the plant. Rhubarb requires full sun, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting should occur in early spring when the soil temperature reaches around 40°F (4°C).
For optimal growth, space plants 3-4 feet apart and rows 5-6 feet apart. The planting depth should be about 1-2 inches. Rhubarb grows well alongside companions like columbine, garlic, onion, beans, sweet pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, asparagus, strawberry, and horseradish. Avoid planting turnip, carrot, or potato nearby, as they can negatively impact rhubarb growth. To keep your rhubarb healthy, ensure consistent moisture without waterlogged soil.
Fertilize with a high-nitrogen formula after the first spring frost to promote healthy growth. Some common problems that may affect rhubarb include gray mold, crown rot, phytophthora leaf rot, slugs, tarnished plant bug, potato stem borer, rhubarb curculio beetle, anthracnose, botrytis, ascochyta leaf spot, and ramularia leaf spot. When harvesting your rhubarb, be patient. In the first year of planting, avoid harvesting altogether. For the second year, harvest sparingly.
By the third year, you can enjoy an 8-10 week period where you can regularly harvest from the plant.
Best Rhubarb Varieties
Rhubarb enthusiasts rejoice! With its tart flavor and versatile uses, it’s no wonder there’s a wide range of varieties to explore. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and sought-after types:
Holstein Blood Red
One of the most sought-after varieties of rhubarb is characterized by its deep red color and juicy texture, making it a perfect choice for sweet treats when paired with sugar. For those looking to indulge in a classic red rhubarb as a side dish or dessert, this variety is sure to satisfy.
McDonald’s Canadian Red
Rhubarb’s Ruby cousin – ‘Red’ offers a unique set of characteristics that make it an excellent choice for preserving through freezing and incorporating into baked goods. Its versatility in these applications is largely due to its robust flavor profile, which remains intact even when cooked or frozen.
Canada Red
While Canada Red may not be as well-known as some other red varieties, it’s certainly a worthy contender in the world of rhubarb. This variety is prized for its sweet and tangy flavor profile, which is perfectly balanced by its high juice content.
Colorado Red
The Colorado Red variety boasts a striking appearance when mature, with stalks resembling red celery. This gives you an idea of its impressive yield potential. Moreover, if you’re seeking a visually appealing red rhubarb variety to incorporate into your homemade jams, this cultivar is an excellent choice for its sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Victoria
Victoria rhubarb is an ancient variety that produces mid-sized stalks with a unique characteristic – they display a deep red color near the base of the plant, gradually transitioning to a green hue as they approach the leaves. Unlike some other varieties, Victoria’s stalks aren’t excessively large or small, making it a reliable producer. The distinct red-green coloration is a notable feature that sets this variety apart from others.
Riverside Giant
While some rhubarb enthusiasts may be drawn to the vibrant red hue of certain varieties, others prefer the subtle charm of green-stalked rhubarb. For those who fit into the latter category, the Riverside Giant variety is a fantastic choice. Not only do its stalks retain their verdant color, but this particular strain also boasts impressive resilience in cold weather conditions. Its durability and cold-hardiness make it an ideal selection for growers who encounter harsh winters or early springs.
Turkish
For those who prefer milder-tasting rhubarb, this particular variety may be an excellent choice. Its distinctive characteristic is the production of sturdy green stalks with a subtle hint of red at the base of the plant. While its flavor profile is still recognizable as rhubarb, it’s less robust than some other varieties, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a more tempered taste.
German Wine
The charm of this particular rhubarb variety lies in its unique characteristic – instead of producing uniform, plain-colored stalks, it boasts polka-dotted stems. Moreover, it’s renowned for being the sweetest type of rhubarb available, making it a delightful addition to any garden or culinary endeavor.
The Sutton
One of the most unique and enjoyable varieties of rhubarb to cultivate is the one that yields green and red striped stalks instead of the typical basic color. This particular type boasts a pleasant aroma, earning it a reputation for tenderness. The flavor profile isn’t overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle taste experience.
Sunrise
The Sunrise rhubarb variety is an unexpected gem that defies conventional notions of this vegetable. Its distinctive feature is its production of pink stalks, which may initially lead one to assume it’s less robust than other varieties. But, surprisingly, the Sunrise variety still boasts exceptional qualities for canning, freezing, and crafting delectable jellies.
Timperley Early
One of the most notable features of this variety is its ability to thrive in early conditions, with some growers reporting yields as early as springtime – a full season ahead of many other varieties. In fact, it’s not uncommon for enthusiasts to harvest small quantities from these plants even in their first year of growth.
Additionally, this variety has earned a reputation for being more resilient to disease, making it an attractive option for those looking to minimize the risk of fungal or bacterial infections.
Glaskins Perpetual
The last of our featured varieties is Glaskins Perpetual, a bright red stalked rhubarb that excels in flavor and production. What sets it apart from other varieties is its ability to be harvested late in the season, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy their rhubarb throughout the year.
A unique characteristic of rhubarb is its high concentration of oxalic acid, which gives raw rhubarb its distinctive bold flavor.
In most cases, the amount of oxalic acid increases as the season progresses. However, Glaskins Perpetual is an exception, featuring a lower level of oxalic acid that makes it more palatable for longer periods.
Planting Rhubarb
The age-old adage ‘There’s more than one way to skin a cat’ takes on new meaning when discussing rhubarb cultivation. The varying approaches not only depend on the growing region, but also the specific climate and soil conditions of your zone. As you weigh the options, consider which method best suits your unique situation.
Planting Zones for Rhubarb
Rhubarb’s growth habits vary significantly depending on your geographical location. Perennial in nature, rhubarb thrives in USDA zones 1-6, returning year after year to delight your senses with its tart flavor. In zones 7-8, while still considered a perennial, the plant may not live as long or produce as abundantly due to the region’s borderline climate. Here, temperatures soar, potentially impeding production.
Conversely, in USDA zones 9-10, rhubarb grows as an annual, necessitating replanting each year for continued enjoyment. The ideal setting for rhubarb cultivation is characterized by soil temperatures that dip below 40°F during winter and moderate lows around 75°F during summer.
Sun and Soil Requirements
While rhubarb can thrive in shade, it excels when given full sunlight. To ensure optimal growth, select a location with consistent moisture levels and moderate drainage. The plant is known for its heavy feeding habits, so it’s essential to have fertile soil rich in organic matter. Compost and rotted manure are excellent additions to your garden beds before planting. Additionally, well-draining soil is crucial; compost can aid in this, but you may also consider incorporating peat moss.
If pH levels need adjustment, testing your soil will reveal the ideal range for rhubarb, which thrives between 5.5 and 6.5.
When to Plant Rhubarb
When it comes to planting rhubarb, timing is everything. You can successfully plant this perennial vegetable in either the fall or early spring. If you opt for an early spring planting, make sure to get the rhubarb into the ground as soon as the soil becomes workable, just before its roots awaken from dormancy. For seed-starting enthusiasts, begin sowing your seeds indoors 8-10 weeks prior to the final frost date.
On the other hand, if you prefer a fall planting, wait until the rhubarb’s roots have fallen dormant, typically around September. It’s also worth noting that southern gardeners should focus on fall plantings for a harvest in late winter or early spring. To achieve this, start your seeds indoors in mid-to-late August and transplant them to the garden in late September or early October.
Planting Seeds or Crowns
When it comes to growing rhubarb, you have two main options: starting with a crown or planting from seed. Most people begin with a crown, either obtained from a friend who has divided their rhubarb or purchased at a store. However, if you reside in an area where rhubarb is typically grown as an annual rather than perennial, starting from seeds becomes the more viable choice. To successfully start rhubarb from seed, it’s essential to first soak the seeds in water for 10-12 hours.
This step softens the exterior cover of the seed, allowing for faster germination. Don’t overlook this crucial step! Fill 4-inch pots with potting soil or seed starting mix, placing two seeds per container and watering thoroughly. Place the pots indoors at room temperature until the seedlings emerge. Once sprouted, you can transfer them to a bright window to promote further growth.
When the seedlings reach a height of around 2 inches, move them to a shaded location to harden off, gradually introducing more sunlight each day. Maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid overwatering. After several weeks, you can relocate the seedlings to a brighter area with morning sun exposure.
Transplant
When your rhubarb seedlings have reached 4 inches in height with 3-5 leaves each, they’re ready to be transplanted outside. Timing is crucial – aim to transplant them two weeks prior to the final frost of the season, allowing their roots to establish themselves in cooler conditions.
At this stage, your rhubarb should be roughly four inches tall. To promote healthy growth, mulch around the seedlings to regulate root temperature and moisture levels.
A critical note: refrain from fertilizing at the time of planting or throughout the first year. Nitrates can be toxic to young rhubarb, so it’s essential to avoid exposing them to these substances during this vulnerable period.
Spacing
To ensure successful rhubarb growth, it’s crucial to provide ample space for the plants’ extensive root systems. Start by digging a hole that’s approximately one foot deep for each rhubarb plant. This will give the roots enough room to spread out without becoming constricted. In terms of spacing, aim for around 3-4 feet between each plant, as this will help prevent overcrowding and promote healthy development.
When planting the crowns, bury them two inches deep in the soil, allowing the stems to emerge and grow freely.
Be Patient
When cultivating rhubarb, it’s essential to understand that a significant yield is unlikely in the initial year, unless you’re working with a specific variety bred for early production. This reality demands a certain level of patience, as the following year typically yields a bountiful and robust harvest.
Ways of Growing Rhubarb
Rhubarb cultivation offers a range of possibilities, with four distinct methods to choose from. For the discerning gardener, understanding these approaches is crucial for achieving success in growing this versatile and nutritious vegetable.
Grow Rhubarb in a Container
For those who call apartments home or have limited yard space, container gardening offers an exciting opportunity to cultivate a variety of plants. Among these, rhubarb is a surprisingly easy and rewarding choice. To successfully grow this perennial vegetable in a pot, you’ll need to select a container that can accommodate around ten gallons of compost or planting mix, as the plant’s extensive root system requires sufficient room to expand.
Plant Rhubarb in Raised Beds
When it comes to gardening, raised beds can be a fantastic solution, especially for those with limited outdoor space or seeking ease of accessibility. However, it’s essential to ensure that your garden has sufficient depth to support root growth. A minimum depth of 8 inches is recommended to allow for proper root development.
Plant Rhubarb in a Traditional Garden Setting
Rhubarb’s success in a traditional garden bed can be attributed to its adaptable nature, allowing it to thrive in a variety of conditions. With proper care and maintenance, this perennial vegetable can grow robustly and produce an abundance of edible stalks.
Grow Rhubarb in a Greenhouse
For those who want to expand their growing possibilities, rhubarb can also thrive in a greenhouse environment. This allows for greater control over temperature and climate conditions, enabling you to create an ideal setting for your plants. You have the option of constructing raised beds within the greenhouse or simply relocating potted rhubarb plants as the seasons change.
Caring for Rhubarb
While rhubarb is often considered a low-fuss plant, there are still some simple yet effective steps you can take to coax the best out of it. By understanding its fundamental needs and providing a nurturing environment, you’ll be rewarded with a thriving and productive rhubarb plant.
Mulch
When it comes to establishing a thriving garden bed, incorporating a substantial layer of mulch at the onset of the growing season (or fall, depending on your planting schedule) is crucial. By doing so, you’ll create an environment that fosters healthy root growth by retaining moisture and keeping the soil cooler, ultimately reducing weed competition for valuable nutrients.
Water
Rhubarb requires a delicate balance when it comes to moisture levels. While they thrive in consistently damp environments, they’re just as particular about not being submerged in waterlogged soil. A ‘wet feet’ scenario is to be avoided at all costs. In regions that experience heavy rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest, rhubarb plants may already receive adequate moisture without requiring supplemental irrigation.
However, for gardeners living in drier or hotter climates, a well-designed irrigation system becomes essential to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Don’t Let It Go to Seed
When a plant starts to bolt, or transition into producing seeds, it’s signaling that its energy is shifting from generating edible stalks to setting the stage for the next growing season. As soon as you notice this change, take action by cutting back those stalks to extend your harvest duration.
Fertilize…But Only After Year One
For optimal growth and development, it’s essential to fertilize your rhubarb plants, but only after their first year of establishment. During this initial period, the compost added to the soil at planting time should be sufficient for nourishment. However, once your rhubarb reaches its second year, you can start providing a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in both spring and fall.
To apply, draw a circle around the base of each plant and place the recommended 1/2 cup amount within the designated area. Be cautious not to spread the fertilizer directly onto the crown, as this could cause harm. Remember to avoid fertilizing your rhubarb during its first year, as excessive nitrate exposure can be detrimental to the plants’ health.
Control the Weeds
Rhubarb’s relatively low-maintenance nature extends to its relationships with pests and diseases, leaving it surprisingly unaffected by most common issues. That said, the presence of weeds can still pose a threat to the overall health of your rhubarb patch. By keeping unwanted vegetation under control, you’ll be able to create a more favorable environment for your rhubarb to thrive.
Divide Your Rhubarb
To maintain a healthy and thriving rhubarb garden, it’s crucial to perform regular root division every 3-4 years as the plant spreads its roots. The ideal time for this process is during the dormant season, which typically falls in early spring or autumn. Begin by carefully excavating the entire plant, including its extensive root system, digging down approximately 6 inches deep.
Next, separate the root ball into individual sections, making sure to preserve the vital buds that will eventually give rise to new plants. To facilitate this process, gently cut the crown between the buds, allowing for a seamless separation and ensuring the continued growth of your rhubarb garden.
Replant or Store Properly
When dividing rhubarb roots, it’s essential to replant the sections promptly, ideally within minutes of completing the division. This is crucial for maintaining their moisture and preventing dehydration. To achieve this, follow the same procedure as when initially planting the original rhubarb, ensuring a snug fit in the soil. However, circumstances might not always allow for immediate replanting.
In such cases, store the root pieces in a plastic bag and keep them refrigerated at a cool temperature to slow down the drying process. Once you’re ready to plant the roots, take an extra step by submerging them in lukewarm water overnight before reintroducing them to the soil. This soaking period will help rehydrate the roots, setting them up for a successful and healthy growth cycle.
Common Problems with Growing Rhubarb
When cultivating rhubarb, it’s essential to be aware of the potential issues that can arise. Like other plants, rhubarb is not immune to challenges. In this context, we’re referring to common problems that may impact your plant’s health and productivity. These include:
Crown Rot
Rhubarb’s silent killer: Crown rot is a soil-borne affliction that thrives in poorly drained areas, where it attacks the root system, causing damage to buds and altering the plant’s growth. As a result, affected plants produce spindly, weak stems, ultimately reducing yields. Should you detect crown rot, take immediate action by uprooting the entire plant, including its roots, and then incinerate the infected material.
To prevent re-infestation, refrain from replanting rhubarb in that location for at least five years.
Leaf Spots
Rhubarb leaf spot is a common affliction that manifests as unsightly blemishes on the leaves, typically appearing in shades of brown, yellow, or red. While all three hues are detrimental to the plant’s appearance, the red spots tend to be particularly problematic as they often spread to infect the stem of the rhubarb itself.
Fortunately, the treatment for leaf spot is relatively straightforward: simply utilize a sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors to carefully remove any discolored areas from the plant.
Rhubarb Weevil
Rhubarb weevil, a substantial beetle characterized by its elongated snout, is the unwelcome pest that feeds on rhubarb and creates holes in the stem of the plant as it lays its eggs. The solution to this problem lies in manual removal, which shouldn’t be a daunting task given their moderate size.
Prevention is crucial in managing these unwanted visitors. Ensure that your garden area is free from debris, as rhubarb weevils tend to overwinter within such environments.
Furthermore, avoid planting rhubarb near sunflowers or allowing thistles to grow amongst your plants, as these areas can serve as breeding grounds for the beetles.
Downy Mildew
In humid environments, rhubarb plants may develop a characteristic downy mildew coating. This occurs when prolonged periods of rain create ideal conditions for the growth of fungal spores. To minimize the risk of downy mildew, ensure that your rhubarb plants are spaced far enough apart to allow for sufficient air circulation. By doing so, you can reduce the likelihood of moisture accumulation and promote a healthier plant environment.
Snails and Slugs
While snails and slugs may seem harmless, they can be a significant nuisance in many gardens, particularly when it comes to plants like rhubarb. These slimy pests have a tendency to feast on the tender stems of rhubarb, causing unsightly damage and potentially stunting plant growth. To keep your rhubarb healthy and thriving, consider employing one or more of your favorite slug control methods to deter these unwanted visitors.
Best Companion Plants for Rhubarb
Rhubarb grows harmoniously alongside certain plants that share a symbiotic relationship. These companion plants not only provide beneficial interactions but also help repel unwanted pests from the rhubarb. Some of these compatible companions include onion, garlic, cabbage, kale, and broccoli – all of which are part of the Brassica family. This group of vegetables creates a natural barrier against common rhubarb pests.
On the other hand, it’s essential to avoid planting rhubarb alongside sunflowers, thistles, turnip carrots, or potatoes as these plants can attract unwanted insects that might harm your rhubarb.
How to Harvest and Store Rhubarb
When it comes to harvesting rhubarb, simplicity is just the beginning. To ensure a bountiful yield and maintain the overall well-being of your plants, there are several key factors to keep in mind. From proper techniques to avoid damaging the stalks to considerations for plant health, here’s what you need to know:
Harvest the Stalks Only
When cultivating rhubarb, it’s crucial to distinguish between edible and non-edible parts of the plant. The key takeaway is that only the stalks are safe for consumption. Be aware that the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, a toxic compound that can be harmful if ingested. When harvesting the stalks, gently twist them away from the plant or use a sharp knife to cut them cleanly, taking care not to damage the surrounding foliage.
The optimal harvest size is typically around 12-18 inches in length. However, don’t push your luck – stop picking as soon as you notice stalks starting to thin out. This signals that the plant may be struggling to obtain essential nutrients, and further harvesting could compromise its health.
Don’t Harvest During Year One
As rhubarb plants mature, they reward growers with increasingly bountiful harvests over time. In the initial year, it’s best to allow the plants to focus on establishing a strong foundation without any harvesting pressure. This restraint will pay off in years two and three, when an 8-10 week window of prolific harvesting becomes possible. A judicious approach to harvesting during the second year can also be taken, but moderation is key.
By following these guidelines, gardeners can expect their rhubarb plants to provide a long-term yield, potentially spanning several decades.
Harvest Rhubarb Twice a Year
Rhubarb’s perennial nature allows for two harvesting opportunities per year in most zones where it thrives. Typically, this occurs in spring and fall, providing a bountiful yield. It’s crucial to avoid harvesting during the summer months, as this can cause undue stress on the plant. Leaving some leaves intact after the initial spring harvest will help protect the plant from the scorching summer sun.
Harvesting during the sweltering heat can prove detrimental, potentially leading to the demise of your rhubarb plant. When preparing for a harvest, ensure your plant has developed at least ten stalks. Be mindful to leave at least two stalks intact after each harvesting event to encourage continuous growth and development. If you’re cultivating rhubarb as an annual, it’s best to harvest the entire plant once summer heat sets in.
Clean Up After Your Plant
As the harvest season comes to a close each fall, it’s crucial to tend to your rhubarb. A telltale sign that the harvest is over is when the stalks start to wither away. To prepare for the next growing cycle, cover the plant with a generous layer of mulch. This will not only shield the plant from harsh weather conditions but also enable the mulch to break down and release nitrogen into the soil. Come spring, this will give your rhubarb a welcome boost.
But don’t forget to tidy up any debris surrounding your plant, ensuring its continued health and preventing pests and diseases from taking hold.
Rhubarb is Best if Used Immediately
Storing rhubarb is straightforward, and for optimal flavor and texture, it’s best used immediately. This ensures the vegetable remains crisp and fresh. Rhubarb is also an excellent candidate for baking and freezing, allowing you to enjoy its sweet-tart flavor throughout the year. If you can’t use your rhubarb right away, store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to a week. However, the longer it sits, the more likely it is to lose its signature crispness.
Some enthusiasts recommend soaking stored rhubarb in water to revive its texture, although this may slightly diminish its flavor. Regardless of your chosen method, rhubarb’s unique characteristics will still shine through.
Harvesting Rhubarb Seeds
To start more rhubarb from seed without purchasing seeds, simply allow some stalks of rhubarb to mature and go to seed naturally. Typically, this occurs mid-season when you’d normally cut back the plant to encourage continued production. By letting these stalks grow, you’ll be rewarded with seeds forming at their tips. Once the seeds are ripe, cut off the seed stalks and prepare your rhubarb for overwintering by mulching it well.
Before storing the seeds over winter, dry them thoroughly in a dehydrator or freezer bag to preserve their viability.
Using Rhubarb
While rhubarb may not be as well-known as other vegetables, its unique flavor and texture make it an exciting ingredient to experiment with. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate rhubarb into your cooking: Start by making a strawberry rhubarb jam that’s sure to delight kids of all ages. For a classic dessert, try baking a strawberry rhubarb pie that balances sweet and sour flavors perfectly. Alternatively, whip up some refreshing rhubarb sherbet for a light and fruity treat.
Plant Rhubarb For an Extended Harvest
Rhubarb is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to stretch their harvesting season, as its robust growth begins early in the year. As a perennial, this tart and tangy vegetable will return year after year, allowing you to enjoy multiple harvests with minimal maintenance. By incorporating rhubarb into your garden, you’ll be able to grow more food with less effort each year, making it an ideal addition to any garden layout.
