Rhubarb is a classic garden perennial cherished for its tangy stalks that brighten pies, tarts, jams, and other desserts. Unlike many fruiting plants, rhubarb thrives on minimal care, returns year after year, and can produce abundant stalks for decades with proper attention. Its tart flavor complements sweet dishes beautifully, making it a favorite ingredient in traditional and modern recipes alike.
Growing rhubarb in your own garden not only provides fresh, chemical-free produce but also adds a striking ornamental element with its broad green leaves and crimson stalks. This guide explores how to grow rhubarb successfully, including site selection, planting, care, harvesting, and common challenges, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh stalks for all your culinary creations.
1. Choosing the Right Rhubarb Variety
Selecting the right rhubarb variety sets the foundation for a productive garden.
Popular Varieties:
- ‘Victoria’ – Classic variety with long, tender, red stalks. Excellent for pies.
- ‘Crimson Cherry’ – Deep red stalks with mild tartness, ideal for desserts.
- ‘Canada Red’ – Early-maturing variety with sweet-tart flavor.
- ‘Valentine’ – Pinkish-red stalks with tender texture and mild flavor.
Tips for Selection:
- Choose varieties suited to your climate zone.
- Consider stalk color and flavor preferences for your favorite recipes.
- Some varieties are more cold-hardy, producing earlier harvests in northern climates.
Tip: Always buy rhubarb crowns or divisions from reputable nurseries rather than seeds, as crowns establish faster and produce reliable stalks.
2. Selecting the Ideal Planting Location
Rhubarb requires the right conditions to thrive and produce robust stalks.
Sunlight Requirements:
- Full sun is ideal (6–8 hours per day).
- Partial shade is tolerated in warmer climates, which helps prevent leaf scorching.
Soil Requirements:
- Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- pH should range between 6.0 and 6.8 for optimal nutrient uptake.
- Avoid waterlogged areas, as rhubarb roots are prone to rot in standing water.
Space Requirements:
- Plant crowns 3 feet apart in rows at least 4 feet apart to allow for growth.
- Adequate spacing improves air circulation and reduces disease risk.
Tip: Incorporate compost or aged manure into soil before planting to enhance fertility and drainage.
3. Planting Rhubarb Correctly
Proper planting ensures healthy root establishment and long-term productivity.
Planting Steps:
- Timing: Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring, once soil is workable.
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the crown.
- Position the Crown: Place the crown with roots spread out and buds facing upward.
- Backfill and Water: Fill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
- Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Container Planting:
- Use large, deep containers to allow room for root development.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Tip: Crowns planted properly in nutrient-rich soil will begin producing harvestable stalks within 1–2 years.
4. Caring for Rhubarb
Rhubarb is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular care.
Watering:
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- Avoid waterlogging, which can damage roots.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilization:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as new growth emerges.
- Supplement with compost or well-rotted manure annually to maintain soil fertility.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth over sturdy stalks.
Weeding and Mulching:
- Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients.
- Mulch helps prevent weed growth, conserve moisture, and protect roots during winter.
Tip: Divide overcrowded plants every 4–5 years to rejuvenate crowns and encourage larger stalks.
5. Harvesting Rhubarb for Maximum Flavor
Harvesting at the right time ensures tender, flavorful stalks.
When to Harvest:
- Begin harvesting in the second year after planting to allow crowns to establish.
- Pick stalks in spring and early summer; avoid harvesting late in the season when plants are storing energy for winter.
How to Harvest:
- Gently pull stalks from the base or use a sharp knife to cut near the crown.
- Only remove 1/3 of the plant’s stalks at a time to allow continued growth.
- Discard leaves; they contain oxalic acid and are toxic if ingested.
Tips for Flavor:
- Harvest stalks when firm, crisp, and brightly colored.
- Overly long or pale stalks may be tough and less flavorful.
- Regular harvesting encourages more vigorous growth.
Tip: Store harvested rhubarb in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
6. Winter Care and Protection
Rhubarb is cold-hardy but benefits from protection in harsh winters.
Winterizing Steps:
- Apply a thick mulch layer (straw, leaves, or compost) around crowns after the first frost.
- In extremely cold climates, consider covering crowns with a row cover or burlap.
- Avoid harvesting late-season stalks; let plants store energy for winter survival.
Spring Preparation:
- Remove winter mulch after the last frost.
- Cut away any dead or damaged leaves to allow new growth.
- Apply a layer of compost to provide nutrients for early spring growth.
Tip: Proper winter care ensures early, vigorous stalk production in the following season.
7. Common Pests and Diseases
While rhubarb is relatively resilient, pests and diseases can affect stalk quality and plant health.
Common Pests:
- Rhubarb curculio: A beetle that bores into stalks and crowns.
- Slugs and snails: Feed on tender leaves and stalks.
Common Diseases:
- Crown rot: Caused by waterlogged soil.
- Leaf spot: Fungal infection that affects foliage but rarely stalks.
Prevention and Control:
- Practice crop rotation to reduce pest buildup.
- Remove affected leaves and destroy them to prevent spread.
- Ensure well-draining soil to minimize crown rot risk.
- Use organic deterrents like beer traps for slugs or floating row covers for beetles.
Tip: Healthy, well-spaced plants with good sunlight are less susceptible to pests and diseases.
8. Benefits of Growing Your Own Rhubarb
- Fresh, Tangy Stalks: Superior flavor compared to store-bought rhubarb.
- Culinary Versatility: Ideal for pies, tarts, crumbles, jams, sauces, and beverages.
- Low-Maintenance Perennial: Returns year after year with minimal care.
- Nutritional Value: High in fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds ornamental value with large, lush leaves and crimson stalks.
- Cost Savings: Homegrown rhubarb reduces grocery costs while providing chemical-free produce.
Tip: Companion planting with strawberries or herbs can maximize garden space and deter pests.
9. Harvesting and Storage Tips
- Fresh Use: Pick stalks as needed for immediate culinary use.
- Freezing: Cut into 1-inch pieces and freeze in airtight bags for long-term use.
- Cooking: Rhubarb can be baked, boiled, or stewed, often combined with sugar or sweet fruits like strawberries to balance tartness.
Tip: Consistent harvesting encourages continuous growth throughout the season.
Conclusion
Growing rhubarb in your garden is a rewarding and achievable endeavor, whether for pies, desserts, or preserves. With proper variety selection, ideal site preparation, careful planting, and attentive care—including watering, fertilization, pruning, and pest management—rhubarb can thrive for decades, providing an abundant harvest each spring and summer.
Understanding seasonal care, proper harvesting techniques, and winter protection ensures sweet, tender stalks year after year. With its low-maintenance requirements and multiple culinary applications, rhubarb is a must-have perennial for any home garden, offering both practical benefits and aesthetic appeal.
Tip: Keep a garden journal to track planting dates, harvest amounts, and care routines. This documentation will help optimize production and ensure your rhubarb patch remains healthy, productive, and ready for delicious pies and desserts season after season.