Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a very old plant. Its medicinal
uses and horticulture have been recorded in history to almost 5,000 years
ago in China. Rhubarb is a cool season, perennial plant that is very winter
hardy and resistant to drought. It is hard to grow in very warm climates.
Planting
Purchase crowns which consist of fleshy rhizomes and buds. Dig holes 36"
in diameter and 36 inches apart. Mix the removed soil two parts soil to
one part compost. Backfill the hole to 2" deep. Plant one crown in
each prepared hole and fill with remaining soil. Water generously. After
the plants begin growing, apply a thick mulch to conserve moisture and
discourage weeds. Do not let the soil dry out.
The first shoots to appear in the spring are edible petioles and leaves.
These emerge sequentially as long as temperatures remain cool (below 90°
F). As temperatures increase, top growth is suppressed. With declining
temperatures in later summer, foliage growth resumes.
Over the years, add a little compost folllowed by mulch. When flower
stalks appear, remove them before bloom to encourage leaf stalk production.
If a plant should become crowded, dig up the plant, divide it and replant.
Tips
It is important to spend time preparing the soil at the beginning because
well started rhubarb will produce for 20 - 40 years. Rhubarb is usually
free of pests and diseases. If it becomes diseased, destroy the entire
patch and start with a resistant variety somewhere else in the garden.
Victoria is the best available variety because the stems never get woody.
Canada Red has traditionally been a very popular variety.
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