Growing Rhubarb: A Complete Guide For A Bountiful Harvest

Aug 22, 2025 by Marta Kowalska 58 views

Grow Rhubarb: A Comprehensive Guide to Planting, Caring, and Harvesting This Tart Treat

Rhubarb, with its vibrant crimson stalks and tart flavor, is a garden favorite for pies, jams, and crumbles. Growing rhubarb can be a rewarding experience, providing you with a sustainable source of this unique vegetable for years to come. But don't let its looks fool you; rhubarb is actually a vegetable, though it's often used like a fruit in desserts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about successfully planting, caring for, and harvesting rhubarb in your own backyard.

Understanding Rhubarb

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of growing rhubarb, let's get to know this fascinating plant a little better. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a perennial vegetable, meaning it comes back year after year. It's known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and thick stalks, which are the edible part of the plant. However, it's crucial to remember that only the stalks are safe to eat; the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and are poisonous. Rhubarb thrives in cool climates and requires a period of cold dormancy to produce the best stalks. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners in northern regions, but with proper care, it can also be grown in warmer areas.

Choosing the Right Variety of Rhubarb

One of the first steps in growing rhubarb is selecting the right variety for your garden. There are several different rhubarb varieties available, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of color, flavor, and size. Some popular varieties include:

Victoria: A classic variety known for its vigorous growth and good flavor. It produces thick, green stalks with a slightly tart taste.
Crimson Red: As the name suggests, this variety boasts deep red stalks and a sweeter flavor than some other types. It's also known for its attractive appearance in the garden.
Canada Red: This variety is particularly cold-hardy, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in colder climates. It produces bright red stalks and has a tangy flavor.
Valentine: A popular variety prized for its early yields and bright red stalks. It has a sweet-tart flavor and is known for its tender texture.

Consider your local climate and personal preferences when choosing a rhubarb variety. Some varieties are better suited to certain regions than others, and the flavor can vary from quite tart to relatively sweet. Talk to your local nursery or garden center for recommendations on the best varieties for your area.

The Ideal Growing Conditions for Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a hardy plant, but it still has specific requirements for optimal growth. Providing the right growing conditions will ensure your rhubarb thrives and produces abundant harvests. Here's what rhubarb needs to flourish:

Sunlight: Rhubarb prefers full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. In warmer regions, some afternoon shade can help prevent the plants from overheating.
Soil: Rhubarb thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for rhubarb is between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder, so providing plenty of nutrients is crucial for healthy growth.
Water: Rhubarb needs consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal diseases. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are excellent options for watering rhubarb.
Temperature: Rhubarb prefers cool temperatures and requires a period of cold dormancy (temperatures below 40°F for at least 900 hours) to produce the best stalks. This makes it well-suited to colder climates, but it can also be grown in warmer regions if given proper care. In warmer areas, providing shade during the hottest part of the day can help protect the plants.

Planting Rhubarb: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the basics of rhubarb, let's move on to planting. Rhubarb is typically planted from crowns, which are sections of the plant's root system with buds. Planting from crowns allows you to get a head start on the growing season, as opposed to starting from seed. Here's a step-by-step guide to planting rhubarb:

Choose the right time to plant. The best time to plant rhubarb is in early spring or late fall, when the plant is dormant. This gives the plant time to establish its roots before the growing season begins.
Prepare the planting site. Select a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Amend the soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. Rhubarb needs space to grow, so choose a location that is at least 3-4 feet wide and allow 3-4 feet between plants if planting multiple crowns.
Dig a hole. Dig a hole that is about 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread out.
Position the crown. Place the rhubarb crown in the hole with the buds facing upward. The top of the crown should be about 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Backfill the hole. Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the crown. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch the area. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw or wood chips are excellent choices.

Caring for Newly Planted Rhubarb

After planting, it's important to provide proper care to help your rhubarb establish itself. Here are a few tips for caring for newly planted rhubarb:

Water regularly. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Fertilize lightly. In the spring, apply a light application of a balanced fertilizer or compost to provide essential nutrients.
Remove flower stalks. During the first year, it's important to remove any flower stalks that appear. This will encourage the plant to focus its energy on root development rather than seed production.
Be patient. It's best not to harvest any stalks during the first year after planting. This allows the plant to build up its strength and resources for future harvests.

Rhubarb Care: Ensuring a Healthy and Productive Plant

Rhubarb is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but providing proper care will ensure it thrives and produces a bountiful harvest year after year. Here are some essential rhubarb care tips:

Water deeply and regularly: Rhubarb needs consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize annually: Rhubarb is a heavy feeder and benefits from annual fertilization. In early spring, apply a generous layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant. You can also use a balanced fertilizer formulated for vegetables. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of stalk production.
Remove flower stalks: As mentioned earlier, it's important to remove flower stalks as they appear, especially during the first few years. Allowing the plant to flower will divert energy away from stalk production. Simply cut the flower stalks off at the base of the plant.
Divide established plants: Rhubarb plants can become quite large and crowded over time. To maintain their vigor and productivity, it's a good idea to divide them every 3-4 years. The best time to divide rhubarb is in early spring or late fall, when the plant is dormant. To divide a rhubarb plant, carefully dig it up and use a sharp knife or spade to divide the crown into sections, ensuring each section has at least a few buds. Replant the divisions in prepared soil.
Weed regularly: Keeping the area around your rhubarb plants free of weeds is important for preventing competition for nutrients and water. Hand-pull weeds regularly or use a hoe to cultivate the soil around the plants. Applying a layer of mulch can also help suppress weed growth.
Watch for pests and diseases: Rhubarb is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by issues such as crown rot, rhubarb curculio, or slugs and snails. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of problems. If you notice any issues, take action promptly to prevent them from spreading. For example, improve drainage to prevent crown rot, or use traps or baits to control slugs and snails.

Harvesting Rhubarb: When and How to Pick the Stalks

One of the most rewarding parts of growing rhubarb is harvesting your own fresh stalks. But knowing when and how to harvest rhubarb is key to ensuring a continuous supply of this delicious vegetable. Here's what you need to know:

When to harvest: As mentioned earlier, it's best not to harvest any stalks during the first year after planting. This allows the plant to establish itself properly. In the second year, you can harvest a few stalks, but don't take more than a third of the total stalks. In subsequent years, you can harvest more heavily. The main harvest season for rhubarb is in the spring, typically from April to June. Stalks are ready to harvest when they are at least 10-12 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Avoid harvesting after mid-summer, as this can weaken the plant.
How to harvest: To harvest rhubarb stalks, grasp the stalk near the base of the plant and gently pull and twist it away from the crown. Avoid cutting the stalks with a knife, as this can leave a stub that can rot and attract pests. If the stalk doesn't pull away easily, it's not quite ready to be harvested.
What to do with the leaves: Remember, rhubarb leaves are poisonous and should never be eaten. After harvesting the stalks, cut off the leaves and discard them in your compost pile or trash.
How to store rhubarb: Freshly harvested rhubarb stalks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap them loosely in plastic wrap or place them in a plastic bag. Rhubarb can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze rhubarb, wash and chop the stalks into 1-inch pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers.

Common Rhubarb Problems and How to Solve Them

While rhubarb is generally a hardy plant, it can sometimes encounter problems. Here are some common rhubarb issues and how to address them:

Crown rot: This fungal disease causes the crown of the plant to rot, often due to poor drainage. To prevent crown rot, ensure your rhubarb is planted in well-drained soil. If you notice signs of crown rot, such as yellowing leaves or soft, mushy roots, dig up the plant and remove any affected portions. Replant the healthy sections in a new location with improved drainage.
Rhubarb curculio: This beetle can damage rhubarb stalks by laying eggs in them. The larvae then bore into the stalks, causing them to weaken and potentially rot. To control rhubarb curculio, remove any infested stalks and dispose of them properly. You can also try using row covers to prevent the beetles from reaching the plants.
Slugs and snails: These pests can feed on rhubarb leaves, creating holes and causing damage. To control slugs and snails, try using traps or baits, or hand-pick them off the plants. You can also create barriers around the plants using copper tape or diatomaceous earth.
Lack of stalk production: If your rhubarb plant is producing plenty of leaves but few stalks, it may be due to over-fertilization with nitrogen, lack of sunlight, or overcrowding. Avoid over-fertilizing, ensure the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight per day, and divide the plant if it is overcrowded.

Delicious Ways to Use Your Rhubarb Harvest

Once you've harvested your rhubarb, you'll have plenty of delicious stalks to use in your favorite recipes. Rhubarb is known for its tart flavor, which makes it a perfect addition to pies, crumbles, jams, and sauces. Here are a few ideas for using your rhubarb harvest:

Rhubarb pie: A classic dessert that showcases the tartness of rhubarb. Combine rhubarb with sugar and spices in a flaky pie crust for a comforting treat.
Rhubarb crumble: A simple and satisfying dessert made with a topping of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Rhubarb crumble is a great way to use up a large harvest of rhubarb.
Rhubarb jam: A tangy and flavorful jam that's perfect for spreading on toast or scones. Rhubarb jam can also be used as a glaze for meats or poultry.
Rhubarb sauce: A versatile sauce that can be used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes. Rhubarb sauce can also be used as a base for savory dishes.
Rhubarb chutney: A sweet and savory condiment that's delicious with grilled meats, cheese, or crackers. Rhubarb chutney is a great way to preserve rhubarb for later use.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Rewards of Growing Your Own Rhubarb

Growing rhubarb is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the unique flavor of this versatile vegetable. By following the tips and guidance in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully plant, care for, and harvest your own rhubarb, creating delicious dishes and sharing the bounty with friends and family. So, grab your gardening gloves, choose your favorite variety, and get ready to enjoy the tart and tangy taste of homegrown rhubarb! Remember to be patient and give your plants the care they need, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest for years to come. Happy gardening, guys!