Rhubarb
How can I successfully sow rhubarb outdoors?
To sow rhubarb outdoors, it's best to wait until early spring, when temperatures start to warm up. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before sowing, prepare the soil by weeding and deep tilling.
Sow the seeds about 60 cm apart at a depth of 2-3 cm. Be sure to water the soil well after sowing and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. Once the rhubarb plants are well established, make sure you space them at least 1 metre apart so they can develop properly.
It's important to keep an eye on rhubarb plants to avoid disease and pests. Rhubarb is a hardy plant, but it can be prone to rot if the soil is too wet. So make sure you don't over-water and keep the soil well drained. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy a fine crop of rhubarb throughout the seasons.
How do I plant rhubarb?
To grow rhubarb, we recommend planting young plants in the ground in autumn or spring. Choose a sunny or semi-shaded location with soil that is rich in organic matter, deep and well-drained. Avoid soil that is too wet.
Create a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the plant. Add compost to the bottom of the hole to enrich the soil. Place the rhubarb root ball in the centre of the hole, cover with soil and tamp lightly. Water thoroughly after planting.
As rhubarb is a perennial plant, it is advisable to divide the plants every 4-5 years to encourage good production. To do this, transplant young plants in autumn or spring, preferably.
Rhubarb is a perennial plant.
Rhubarb likes cool but not soggy soil. Mulch around the plants to maintain moisture and limit weed growth. No need for fertiliser, rhubarb is happy with compost and plant waste to develop fully.
When should rhubarb be harvested?
Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is easy to grow in your natural garden. Rhubarb is mainly harvested in spring and early summer. It is best to wait until the stalks have reached a sufficient size, around 30 cm long, before cutting them. To harvest, simply grasp the stem at the base and pull gently, twisting to detach it from the plant. Avoid cutting the stems with a knife, as this could damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
Rhubarb stalks can be stored in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, you can also freeze the stalks. To do this, simply wash them, cut them into pieces and place them in airtight bags in the freezer. This way, you'll be able to enjoy your rhubarb harvest for several months. Don't forget to remove the leaves from the rhubarb, as they are poisonous and should not be eaten.
Rhubarb
- Type : Perennial vegetables
- Subtype : Leafy vegetables
- Botanical Family : Polygonaceae
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Perennial
- Exposure : Partial Shade
- Frost Hardiness : Frost Resistant
- Cultivation Difficulty : Easy
- Adult Height : 90 cm
Sowing & Planting
- Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
- Plant Spacing : 100 cm
- Row Spacing : 100 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water Requirements : Moderate
Seeds
- Soil Type : Humus-rich
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Low
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Division