A Beginner’s Guide to Planting Rhubarb
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| Rhubarb |
The great thing about perennial plants is that they automatically come back year after year; and when planting rhubarb, that means larger and larger yields of this versatile vegetable each season.
Rhubarb is one of the very few perennial vegetables. An interesting fact is that, although it is of the vegetable family, it is generally eaten as a fruit. Pies, cakes, breads, jams and such are all products of the vegetable, and you can have a seemingly unending supply when planting rhubarb in your yard.
The year before planting rhubarb, in the fall, the location for planting should be prepared. Since rhubarb is a perennial, it is a plant that will remain in place for the next 15 to 20 years. This fact should be considered when deciding where to plant. Also, the plant will seem small when originally planted, but rhubarb does have a spreading habit, so be sure to allow for enough room. Plenty of sunlight and a well drained soil are essential ingredients for successful plants. All weeds and stones need to be removed from the area, and till the soil to a depth of about 18 inches. Fertilize the soil, using a good compost mixture, manure or grass clippings and mix in well. Now just let nature take its course over the winter while the soil and compost combine to a rich mixture.
In the spring, prepare for planting rhubarb by again removing any existing weed growth and turning over the soil. The healthy rhubarb crowns can be planted right after the last frost of the winter. The crown should be covered with about two inches of soil, fertilized and watered. Watch the plant grow, and remove any flowers the plant may attempt to produce in the first and second year. This allows the plant to gain energy. Each spring, apply a standard fertilizer and work it into the soil around the plant.
In the third year, stalks will finally be able to be harvested. Two crops of stalks should be produced by the plant; first in late spring or early summer, and the second in early fall. Naturally, weather conditions will dictate the plant’s productivity. After the last harvest, the plant will go dormant in the winter. After the plant has become established, all it will require is a feeding in the spring, watering and a bit of weeding throughout the year.
For bountiful crops that will allow you to make pies, breads, cakes, jams and sauces, planting rhubarb is your best bet. Rhubarb is generally available for only a brief time in supermarkets, and can be costly. Planting rhubarb in your garden will make this versatile vegetable available to you throughout the year.
