Growing Rhubarb: A Perennial Delight for Your Garden
Rhubarb is a stunning perennial vegetable that’s as practical as it is ornamental. Known for its tart flavor in pies and sauces, rhubarb also serves as a beautiful border plant in a perennial garden. With its resilience and low maintenance requirements, it’s a must-have for gardeners in USDA zones 4 through 8.
Planting Rhubarb
Rhubarb thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires about one square yard of growing space per plant, making it a generous producer for most families. The plant is well-suited for cooler climates but struggles in the deep south.
To plant rhubarb:
- Choose a well-drained soil location to prevent crown rot, a common issue where the plant meets the soil.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches.
- Mix in generous amounts of compost and a balanced fertilizer like Foothill Fertilizer Mix.
- Plant rhubarb in late winter or early spring for the best results. Use a root growth booster like Booster Blend for optimal establishment.
- Cover the crown with just 2 inches of soil, then pack the soil around the plant lightly, avoiding direct pressure on the crown.
Caring for Rhubarb
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist for newly planted rhubarb.
- Harvesting: Refrain from harvesting in the first year to let the plant establish. Lightly harvest in the second year and enjoy a full harvest by the third year, but never remove more than one-third of the stalks at a time.
- Safety Tip: Only eat the stalks; the leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic if consumed.
Rhubarb Varieties
Rhubarb stalks can range in color from green to red, pink, or even spotted. The color doesn’t affect the flavor, so choose a variety that complements your garden aesthetic.
Conclusion
Rhubarb is an excellent addition to any garden, combining beauty and functionality. With its deer resistance, hardy nature, and versatility in the kitchen, this perennial vegetable is a gardener’s dream. Plant rhubarb, enjoy its delicious harvests, and grow organic for life!
In this video, Tricia shares her tips for planting and growing rhubarb.
