Rhubarb Care Must-Knows
Rhubarb grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Augment the soil by spreading a 2-inch-thick layer of compost over the root zone annually in spring. Full sun is essential for healthy rhubarb. Choose a planting site that receives at least 8 hours of bright sunlight a day. Rhubarb is a large plant; when selecting a planting site, choose a space that is at least 3 feet by 3 feet to allow the plant to expand. Rhubarb can be started from seed or from transplants purchased at a nursery or received from a friend. Note that rhubarb started from seed will be ready for harvest about 4 years after sowing. Rhubarb started from transplants can be harvested 2 years after planting. Plant rhubarb in early spring. Water plants well after planting and continue watering regularly during the first growing season, about 1 inch of water per week. Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from using up valuable nutrients. Rhubarb is easy to divide, and the best time is in early spring when new green shoots just begin to emerge. Use a sharp spade to cut the plant in half or in thirds. Move the divisions to newly prepared planting sites and water well. Begin harvesting rhubarb stalks 2-4 years after planting. Pick stalks by pulling them firmly at their base as soon as the stalk has reached full length—which might be 12 to 24 inches long depending on the variety. Remove any flower stalks as soon as they are noticed to promote the formation of more leaf stalks.
More Varieties of Rhubarb
‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ rhubarb
This variety features large red stalks that provide a sweet-tart flavor to pies, jams, and desserts.
‘MacDonald’ rhubarb
‘MacDonald’ rhubarb is a high-yielding variety that grows well in heavy soils. It has green stalks with red overtones.
