Growing Rhubarb: Tips and Tricks

Welcome back, fellow homesteaders! Today, I’m excited to share some tips on growing one of my favorite perennial vegetables—rhubarb. Known for its tart flavor and vibrant red stalks, rhubarb is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions, making it a perfect addition to any homestead garden. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure a bountiful rhubarb harvest.

Choosing the Right Variety

First things first, selecting the right variety of rhubarb is crucial. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Canada Red’ are known for their robust growth and flavorful stalks. When purchasing crowns or divisions, look for healthy, disease-free plants. Rhubarb can be grown from seed, but starting with crowns or divisions is quicker and more reliable.

Preparing the Soil

Rhubarb loves rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, I like to prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure. This not only enriches the soil but also ensures good drainage, which is vital for rhubarb. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-6.8).

Planting Rhubarb

Plant your rhubarb crowns in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Choose a sunny spot in your garden—rhubarb thrives with at least six hours of sunlight daily. Space the crowns about 3 feet apart to give them plenty of room to grow. When planting, make sure the crown buds are just 1-2 inches below the surface.

Watering and Mulching

Consistent moisture is key to healthy rhubarb plants. Water your rhubarb regularly, especially during dry spells. I’ve found that a thick layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves all work well as mulch.

Feeding Your Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. In early spring, I top-dress the plants with compost or a balanced fertilizer. A mid-season feeding with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can also boost growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of stalk production.

Harvesting Tips

Patience is essential when it comes to harvesting rhubarb. Resist the temptation to harvest in the first year, allowing the plant to establish itself. By the second year, you can start harvesting lightly, and by the third year, the plant should be robust enough for a full harvest. To harvest, gently pull the stalks from the base and twist. Avoid cutting them, as this can damage the crown.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your rhubarb plants healthy and productive, remove any flower stalks that appear. Flowering can sap the plant’s energy and reduce stalk production. In late fall, after the first hard frost, cut back the dying foliage and apply a layer of compost or mulch to protect the crowns over winter.

Dividing Rhubarb

Every 4-5 years, consider dividing your rhubarb to rejuvenate the plants. Early spring is the best time for this. Dig up the entire plant, and using a sharp spade, divide the crown into sections, ensuring each section has at least one strong bud and a good root system. Replant the divisions immediately.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Rhubarb is generally trouble-free, but watch out for crown rot and root rot, which can occur in poorly drained soil. If you notice yellowing leaves or wilting, improve drainage and remove affected plants. Slugs and snails can also be a nuisance; I keep them at bay with organic slug pellets or by setting up beer traps.

Growing rhubarb is a rewarding experience that requires minimal effort once established. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying home-grown rhubarb for years to come. Happy gardening, and may your rhubarb thrive and your muffins be ever delicious!