Rhubarb, with its vibrant red stalks and tart flavor, is a cherished ingredient in spring and summer kitchens. But did you know this versatile vegetable (yes, vegetable!) is surprisingly easy to grow from crowns? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate a thriving rhubarb patch from these hearty root sections, ensuring a bountiful harvest for years to come.
The Crown Jewel: Selecting the Right Rhubarb Crowns
- Source: Your local nursery or garden center is the ideal source for healthy rhubarb crowns. Look for plump crowns with several firm, reddish-pink buds (eyes). Avoid crowns with any signs of rot, shriveling, or soft spots.
- Timing: The best time to plant rhubarb crowns is either in the fall, after the first frost, or in early spring, before new growth emerges. This allows the crown to establish a strong root system before the summer heat arrives.
Preparing the Perfect Patch for Your Rhubarb Royalty
- Location: Rhubarb thrives in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: Rhubarb prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level (around 6.0 to 6.8). Amending your soil with plenty of compost or aged manure before planting will provide the nutrients your rhubarb needs to flourish.
- Space for Majesty: Rhubarb crowns can grow quite large over time. To avoid overcrowding, plant them at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart.
Planting Your Rhubarb Crown: A Royal Affair
- Digging the Royal Residence: Dig a planting hole that’s approximately twice the width and depth of the crown you’re planting.
- Throne Room Preparation: Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root growth. You can also mix in some compost or manure at this stage for an extra nutrient boost.
- Crowning Glory: Place the crown in the hole, ensuring the buds (eyes) are facing upwards and positioned slightly above the soil level. In heavy clay soil, planting the crown slightly higher can help prevent crown rot.
- Backfilling the Royal Residence: Carefully fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the crown. Avoid burying the crown too deeply.
- Watering the Royalty: Give your newly planted rhubarb crown a thorough watering to settle the soil and ensure good moisture contact with the roots.
Nurturing Your Rhubarb Realm: Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Rhubarb enjoys consistent moisture, especially during its first year of growth. Aim to water your rhubarb plants deeply at least once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry periods.
- Mulching: Apply a 5- to 7-centimeter (2- to 3-inch) layer of organic mulch around your rhubarb plants in early spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: While rhubarb is not a heavy feeder, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial. Opt for a slow-release fertilizer formulated for vegetables.
- The Waiting Game: Patience is key! Rhubarb plants take some time to establish themselves. Resist the urge to harvest stalks during the first year. Allow the plant to focus its energy on developing a strong root system.
Reap the Rewards: Harvesting Rhubarb Stalks
- Prime Time: You can typically start harvesting rhubarb stalks in the second year after planting, from late spring to early summer.
- Selective Service: Harvest the thickest, most vibrant red stalks on the outside of the plant. Always leave at least two to three stalks remaining in the center to allow for continued growth.
- How to Harvest: Gently grasp the base of a stalk and twist it to pull it away from the plant. Avoid using a knife or cutting tool, as this can damage the crown.
Important Note: Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be consumed. Only eat the stalks.
Keeping Your Rhubarb Reigning Supreme: Long-Term Care
- Division Duty: Every 3-5 years, you may want to divide your rhubarb crown to maintain its vigor and productivity. Dig up the crown carefully, using a sharp knife to separate it into sections with at least one or two buds each. Replant the divisions as you would new crowns.
- Winter Rest: As winter approaches, the leaves of your rhubarb plant will die back naturally. You can cut them down to the ground and apply a fresh layer of mulch around the crown to protect it from freezing temperatures.
With a little care and attention, growing rhubarb from crowns can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Your patience will be rewarded with years of ruby red stalks, perfect for everything from crumbles and pies to refreshing spring cocktails. So why not give it a try? With a bit of planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating your own royal crop of rhubarb.
Here are some additional bonus tips for the discerning rhubarb grower:
- Forcing Rhubarb: For an earlier harvest, you can try forcing rhubarb. This technique involves placing a forcing pot or bucket over the crown in late winter and keeping it covered with dark material like straw or cardboard. This deprives the plant of light and encourages it to produce new, tender stalks.
- Companion Planting: Consider planting rhubarb alongside other beneficial herbs and vegetables. Nasturtiums are said to deter pests like aphids, while borage is thought to improve the overall health and flavor of rhubarb.
- Going Organic: If you’re interested in organic gardening, rhubarb is a great choice. It’s relatively pest and disease-resistant, making it well-suited for organic methods.
So grab your gardening gloves, get your hands dirty, and embark on the rewarding journey of growing rhubarb from crowns. With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the delightful taste of homegrown rhubarb for years to come.