Growing Rhubarb PlantsGrowing Rhubarb Classified as a perennial plant, Rhubarb is a cool season crop, which is winter hardy and drought resistant. The vegetable is developed from the crowns made up of buds and rhizomes. When you grow rhubarb keep in mind that it likes cooler weather. Although they are full sun plants, they do not like very hot climates. Best Time for Planting Rhubarb Planting rhubarb from seeds will take a while to realize a harvest so many people plant them from stems that produce roots or seedling purchased at nurseries. The best time to plant these seedlings or roots is early in spring. Rhubarb spacing Rhubarb will grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, dependent upon which variety you plant. Rhubarb stalks have a mixture of sweet and a sharp sour taste. When you grow rhubarb Spacing is important for vegetable to reach its full potential. The proper spacing for this vegetable is between 24 – 48 inches. The rows in which they are grown should be separated by 36 inches. Anything less than three feet creates an overcrowded environment and harms the plants. Soil Conditions For Growing Rhubarb The soil should be a good rich soil that drains well. If you want to check the pH level, it should be between 6.0 and 6.8. There should be about 3 to 4 feet between plants. The rows should be about 3 feet apart as well. This will influence the size of the plants. Ones that are planted too close together tend to be smaller and do not produce as much. The stems should be planted about 2 inches deep and can be planted in a trench. They should be watered well after planting and mulch should be used. Rhubarb does not like weeds and placing good compost around them will keep weeds away. Most rhubarb is grown as a perennial and will not produce to the fullest extent until the fourth year.
A growing rhubarb may be harvested starting the second year. Only a small amount can be taken, though. The third year you can harvest more but only for about 30 days. After this, it can be harvested whenever it is ready. The only part of rhubarb that is harvested for consumption is the stalks. The leaves are toxic and should be pulled from the plant when it is time to harvest the stalks. If the rhubarb should become damaged by frost, it is not wise to eat it because the stalks can become poison. Spring is the time for the major harvest of rhubarb. Some may be picked during the summer if the weather is not really hot. Growing Rhubarb Tips The biggest part of the maintenance for growing rhubarb is the trimming. This only needs to be done about every 4 years. The time to take care of this is when you notice the stalks are getting thin. This happens when the plants get overcrowded. Trim the plant to only 4 or 5 buds and this should take care of the problem. Rhubarb Disease and Garden Pests When growing rhubarb you can expect a visit from unwanted garden pests. They include potato bug, beetle, aphid, slug and snail, and broad mites to name a few. Your first line of defense is to keep plants healthy. Start with quality soil and composted material, proper sunlight and watering. To eliminate competition for nutrients, keep the area weeded. Of course you can use organic insecticides if need be. Although rhubarb does not have many problems, one that is very serious is foot rot. This problem is caused by fungus. Because it will spread to other plants, any affected plants should be destroyed. Allowing the area where the rhubarb was planted to dry should cure the problem, but just to be on the safe side, you should relocate the planting to another area. Any black spots you notice on the stem are just a part of the rhubarb and are not a cause for concern. Rhubarb is an acquired taste and many people do not like the combination of sweet and tart. It is often used for making pies. It may be eaten plain just after harvesting. For most, either they love rhubarb or they hate it. There does not seem to be a median. Similar Posts _________________________________________________________________ Top of Growing Rhubarb Listed under Gardening Plants |
