Your Guide to Growing Rhubarb in Home Gardens
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable grown for its tart, edible leaf stalks that are commonly used in desserts and cooking. This hardy plant thrives in cooler climates and provides harvests for many years once established in your garden.
What Is Rhubarb and Why Grow It
Rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family and produces thick, fleshy stalks that range from green to deep red in color. The plant develops large, broad leaves that should never be consumed as they contain toxic levels of oxalic acid.
Growing rhubarb offers several advantages for home gardeners. The plant requires minimal maintenance once established and can produce harvests for 15 to 20 years in the same location. Rhubarb stalks provide excellent sources of vitamin K, vitamin C, and dietary fiber while adding unique tartness to pies, jams, and other culinary creations.
How Rhubarb Plants Develop and Thrive
Rhubarb grows from a crown system with thick roots that store energy for spring growth. The plant enters dormancy during winter months and emerges with vigorous growth when soil temperatures warm in early spring.
These plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil with pH levels between 6.0 and 6.8. Rhubarb requires consistent moisture during growing seasons but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. The crown should be planted with its top positioned at soil level to prevent rot while ensuring proper emergence.
Planting Methods and Timing Considerations
Rhubarb can be started from seeds, but crown divisions provide faster results and maintain variety characteristics. Plant crowns in early spring when soil can be worked easily, typically 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for mature spread and air circulation. Dig planting holes twice the width of the crown and incorporate compost or well-aged manure into the soil. Position crowns so the growing points remain at soil surface level, then water thoroughly after planting.
Seed and Plant Supplier Comparison
Several reputable suppliers offer quality rhubarb crowns and seeds for home gardeners. Burpee provides a wide selection of rhubarb varieties including Victoria and Cherry Red cultivars with detailed growing instructions.
Johnny's Seeds specializes in organic and heirloom varieties, offering both red and green stemmed options suitable for various climate zones. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange focuses on regionally adapted varieties that perform well in specific growing conditions.
| Supplier | Variety Options | Organic Available | Shipping Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burpee | 5+ varieties | Yes | Spring/Fall |
| Johnny's Seeds | 3+ varieties | Yes | Spring only |
| Southern Exposure | 2+ varieties | Yes | Spring/Fall |
Maintenance Requirements and Harvest Guidelines
Rhubarb requires regular watering during dry periods and benefits from annual applications of compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring. Remove flower stalks as they appear to maintain energy for leaf and stem production.
Harvest begins in the second growing season by pulling stalks when they reach 12 to 18 inches in length. Twist and pull stalks from the base rather than cutting to prevent disease entry points. Stop harvesting 6 to 8 weeks before expected frost to allow plants to store energy for winter dormancy.
Conclusion
Rhubarb provides reliable harvests for decades with proper establishment and care. This versatile plant adapts to various growing conditions while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance. Success with rhubarb depends on choosing appropriate varieties, providing adequate spacing, and following proper harvesting techniques that support long-term plant health.Citations
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