Rhubarb Plant start
Where to grow
Soil preparation
When plant rhubarb
Planting rhubarb
Care of rhubarb
Divide rhubarb
Harvest rhubarb
Force rhubarb
Pest and diseases
Rhubarb varieties
 

Rhubarb - Care, Plant and Divide
(continued - page 2)

How  To Plant Rhubarb
Rhubarb is normally sold in garden centres as one year old plants (known as 'crowns') of a particular variety. Rhubarb five years or more old can be lifted and split into three or more 'crowns' - see the later section on 'how to divide rhubarb'. Both types should be planted in the same manner.

Prepare the soil as described previously, and dig a hole a little bit wider than the plant. The depth should be such that the top of the plant is 2.5cm (1in) below the soil surface (see the diagram on the left). Fill in around the plant with soil, gently firming it down to ensure no air pockets remain. Water well if the conditions are dry. Spread a mulch (garden compost or other well-rotted organic material) around the plants, but not directly above where the crown will emerge in a month or so.

Three plants should be sufficient to meet most needs - the spacing between plants should be about 75cm (2ft 6in) for varieties such as Cawood Delight, Victoria, Ruby and Canada Red. However, some varieties such as 'The Sutton' need a spacing of about 1.2m (4ft) - ask at your Garden Centre when buying any other varieties.

Care of Rhubarb
Rhubarb require very little care, but if you give them that care they will produce much finer stalks than neglected plants.

Every year after the leaves have died down, spread a new layer of garden compost or other well-rotted organic material around (but not touching the plants. This will conserve water and prevent weeds. In dry periods (normally only summer) give the plants a good watering, although this should only be required occasionally. In February , sprinkle a handful of general fertiliser (Growmore is fine) around the plants. Remove any weeds as they appear.

 
The seeds are the yellow 'flower heads' at the top.
Click picture to enlarge

The only other attention required is to cut off flower heads which may appear in early spring as the new rhubarb stalks emerge. Do this as soon as possible - if the flower head is left to grow and set seed, the plant will never fully recover to good strength. See the diagrams above.

Divide Rhubarb
Rhubarb which is five years old or more can be dug up and split into three or four separate plants. Click the link below to see pictures and advice on how to divide rhubarb.

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