Rhubarb is easy to grow and hardy to frosts, cold and wind. Once established this perennial with reward you with juicy red stems that can be used in a variety of recipes, it looks absolutely fabulous in the garden adding colour and texture.
Planting Calendar
Rhubarb is best planted during Autumn and Spring.
Harvest In
1 year
Once your plant is a year old you can start to harvest. It needs this time to develop a strong root system. Pick the stalks when they are fat and red. Cut back to the base of the stalk, instead of plucking them to avoid damage to the plant. Aim to leave at least 5 strong stems on the plant after each harvest. Harvest before the stalks get too old, otherwise they tend to become hard, woody and bitterly unpleasant. Discard the leaves as these can cause stomach upsets.
Prepare
Position
Rhubarb likes plenty of sun and a moist rich soil.
Soil
When planted into the ground, rhubarb likes a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets, then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container Mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant's root ball. Mix Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets, and Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser together into your existing soil. Backfill the hole with this soil so that when planted, the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a slight mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, to help slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Beginner Tip
The leaves of Rhubarb are poisonous so should not be eaten
Expert Tip
Do your stems lack in red colour, there are a couple of reasons this may happen.Cold weather will give stems a redder colour also colour can differ between species. Lack of red in the stems does not affect the flavour.
Tip
In Spring your Rhubarb may set out flower heads, remove these as soon as they appear as they will reduce the plants vigour and weaken your plant.
Top Varieties
All you need to grow well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant rhubarb?
Rhubarb is best planted in early spring or late autumn when the weather is cool.
How often should I water rhubarb?
Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
How do I harvest rhubarb?
Once your plant is a year old you can start to harvest. It needs this time to develop a strong root system. Pick the stalks when they are fat and red. Cut back to the base of the stalk, instead of plucking them to avoid damage to the plant. Aim to leave at least 5 strong stems on the plant after each harvest. Harvest before the stalks get too old, otherwise they tend to become hard, woody and bitterly unpleasant. Discard the leaves as these can cause stomach upsets.
What pests and diseases affect rhubarb?
Rhubarb can be affected by crown rot, aphids, and slugs. Good garden hygiene and regular monitoring can help prevent these issues.
Are Rhubarb leaves toxic?
Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should not be eaten. Only the stalks are safe for consumption.