Rhubarb, known for its uniquely tangy leafstalks, has graced gardens for centuries, originating from the Far East over 2,000 years ago. Initially celebrated for medicinal purposes, this cool-season perennial made its way into kitchens across Britain and America in the 18th century, where it became beloved for pies, sauces, and jams. Today, rhubarb remains a staple for gardeners looking to add a touch of flavor and visual interest to their gardens.
Selecting and Planting Rhubarb Varieties
For a strong start, choose rhubarb crowns (young plants) rather than seeds, as crowns are established more quickly.
Victoria Rhubarb
Known for its green stalks with red shading and a mild flavor, making it popular in culinary use.
Crimson Red Rhubarb
Features deep red, tender stalks and is very sweet, ideal for pies and sauces.
Canada Red Rhubarb
Compact in size with bright red stalks, this variety is flavorful and maintains its color when cooked.
MacDonald Rhubarb
A vibrant red variety, MacDonald is productive and often used commercially for its consistent quality.
Valentine Rhubarb
Dark red stalks with a rich flavor, but it’s more likely to bolt in warmer climates, requiring removal of flower stalks.
Optimal Climate and Planting Tips for Growing Rhubarb
Rhubarb thrives in regions with cold winters and mild summers. It needs winter temperatures below 40°F to break dormancy, followed by a growing season with average temperatures below 75°F for strong growth. Ohio and similar climates are well-suited for this hardy vegetable. Plant your rhubarb in an area with full sun, ideally where it won’t be shaded by trees or buildings, allowing it to soak up plenty of sunlight while staying cool enough to avoid heat stress.
How to Prepare the Perfect Soil for Growing Rhubarb
Rhubarb is relatively adaptable but truly flourishes in rich, well-draining, loamy soil high in organic matter. Before planting, clear the area of perennial weeds and work 3–4 inches of compost or aged manure into the soil. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.8. If you’re working with raised beds or containers, ensure your chosen spot has enough room since rhubarb spreads as it matures.
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Rhubarb requires consistent moisture, especially in warmer weather. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid letting it become soggy, as excess water can lead to root rot. Mulching with 3–4 inches of straw or compost helps control weeds and conserve moisture, supporting steady growth. During dry spells, check soil moisture often and water deeply if the top inch feels dry.
Managing Flower Stalks (Bolting)
In certain conditions, rhubarb may produce flower stalks, a process called bolting, which redirects energy away from producing flavorful stalks. To prevent bolting, try to keep the plant stress-free by providing adequate water and keeping the soil mulched. Remove any flower stalks as soon as they appear to ensure the plant focuses its energy on leafstalk production rather than seeds.
Fertilizing for Steady Growth
As new growth emerges, Rhubarb benefits from an annual nitrogen boost, particularly in early spring. Work 1¼ pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet into the soil before planting. If no soil test is available, use a balanced 12-12-12 fertilizer. Each spring, side-dress established plants with two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of soil and a fresh layer of compost to nourish the plants.
Harvesting and Storing Rhubarb
Patience is key with rhubarb. In its first year, allow the plant to become established without harvesting any stalks. In its second year, you may harvest sparingly, taking only a few stalks. From the third year onward, rhubarb can be harvested from late April through June. To harvest, gently pull each stalk from the base and avoid cutting, as cuts can encourage crown rot. Always leave about half of the plant’s stalks to sustain its growth.
Freshly harvested rhubarb can be refrigerated for two to four weeks in perforated plastic bags. For longer storage, blanch and freeze rhubarb, which retains its flavour well for future baking or cooking projects.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Rhubarb is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but a few potential issues exist. The rhubarb curculio beetle occasionally damages the leafstalks. To reduce its impact, keep weeds like curly dock away from your rhubarb beds, as they can host these pests. For disease prevention, maintain good sanitation by removing dead leaves from around plants each season to reduce fungal spores. Rot issues like crown rot and Ascochyta leaf spot can appear in overly wet conditions, so ensure your rhubarb bed drains well.
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Once your rhubarb plants reach six to ten years, consider dividing them to keep them healthy and productive. This can be done early in the spring. Dig up the entire crown, divide it into fist-sized sections with a bud on each, and replant immediately. If the weather is uncooperative, store the divisions in the refrigerator, rehydrating them in water before planting.
Cold Weather Tips
Rhubarb can withstand frosts, but if stalks become mushy, avoid eating them. The affected stalks can be composted, and the plant will produce new stalks soon after.
Culinary Inspiration and Rhubarb Uses
Rhubarb’s tangy flavor makes it a kitchen favorite. Use it in pies, sauces, jams, and even savory dishes. For easy storage, freeze chopped rhubarb in freezer bags to enjoy in the off-season. And for those composting enthusiasts, rhubarb leaves are safe to compost, as their oxalic acid breaks down without harming compost quality.
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Q: When is the best time to plant rhubarb? A: The ideal time to plant rhubarb crowns is in early spring when the ground is workable. This ensures the plant has time to establish itself before the growing season.
Q: Can rhubarb grow in warm climates? A: Rhubarb thrives in regions with cold winters and mild summers. It struggles in hot climates where summer temperatures regularly exceed 75°F but can be grown as an annual in such areas.
Q: How do I prevent rhubarb from bolting? A: To prevent bolting, ensure the plant remains well-watered and stress-free. Remove any flower stalks as soon as they appear to focus the plant’s energy on producing leafstalks.
Q: How do I harvest rhubarb correctly? A: Harvest rhubarb by gently pulling the stalks from the base rather than cutting them. Leave at least half of the plant’s stalks intact to ensure continued growth.
Q: Are rhubarb leaves safe to compost? A: Yes, rhubarb leaves are safe to compost. Although they contain oxalic acid, this breaks down during composting and does not harm the compost or plants.
Conclusion
Rhubarb is a rewarding addition to any garden, offering both vibrant visual appeal and delicious culinary possibilities. With the right care, it can thrive for years, providing a consistent harvest of flavorful stalks. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we hope this guide has inspired you to cultivate your own patch of rhubarb. Have tips, experiences, or questions about growing rhubarb? Share them in the comments below! We’d love to hear your stories and help answer any questions as we build a thriving gardening community together.
