Rhubarb Growing Guide

Planting Rhubarb

Plant in spring after the last frost.
Keep plants cool until planting and be careful that they do not dry out.
These plants will grow in most soils provided they are not too wet and are adequately drained.
Dig a large hole at least 30 cm (12 in) deep. Mix in some well rotted manure or compost and a handful of bone meal or general fertilizer.
Plant with the top of the crown, base of the fans 3 cm (1 in) below soil level and space 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) apart.
Water thoroughly after planting.

All-purpose garden fertilizer applied at the beginning and middle of the growing season is effective.
Remove flowers as they appear. This will direct the plant’s energy into growing tasty stems.
Maintain a regular watering schedule. Keep the soil moist, but avoid over-watering.

Wait until the second year to start harvesting and then harvest for 6 to 8 weeks.
Although the first year’s harvest will be small, the yield will improve year by year. Harvests in following years can be done from spring to early summer.
When large enough, the stems should be pulled from the crowns. Do not remove too many stems at a time since doing so weakens the plant.
To keep the plant strong, do not pick any more stems after July.

For new plants, provide a winter mulch of evergreen boughs or salt marsh hay after the ground freezes to help prevent heaving.
The rootstocks themselves are inedible.