Rhubarb bud might be my favorite sign of bounce . aboriginal to Siberia and introduced into North America by European colonists in the 1700’s , Rheum rhabarbarumis a versatile perennial that kick back off the growing season . Once it ’s ready to harvest , you ’ll be rewarded with aid - seize tartness and overbold , grassy nip . Varieties have red or dark-green shuck , but all are delicious . In this article , I ’ll discuss how to grow rhubarb plant life , optimize production , and expend it in pleasant-tasting desserts and side dishes .
call back that rhubarb folio are poisonous . Oxalic acid is the main toxin in this plant . Practically speaking , you would have to take more than a pound of folio to endanger your health , but it ’s better to be careful . Here ’s a verbal description of oxalic acid intoxication from the National Institutes of Health . symptom admit burning and blisters in the sass and an disordered breadbasket . If you suspect oxalic dot toxic condition , do not get emesis and call Poison Control at 1 - 800 - 222 - 1222 .
set
Crowns are the easiest style to start rhubarb plant plants . A rhubarb crown is settle just beneath the soil surface ; the stalks and roots emerge from a crown . These can be purchased bare or in sight . It ’s fine – mayhap even preferred – if potted crowns have a stalk or two already emerging . Large crowns from well - launch plants can be divided and propagated , as talk over below . works crown early on in the natural spring , as shortly as the soil can be worked .
Before planting , ready the soil . Asoil testis always a full idea , to ensure sufficient nutrient stage . solvent from a filth examination will also reveal if soil pH should be adjusted . Aim for a slightly acid pH , between 6.2 and 6.8 . TheVirginia Tech soil testing labwill ply amendment recommendation with exam outcome . eventually , add compost to optimise grunge quality . Rhubarb produce best in well - drained soil with plenitude of constituent matter . For Virginia remains , a good rule of thumb is to work 4 inches of compost into the top 12 inches of ground . That ’s a circumstances of compost and a fair amount of work , but it will be worth it .
When planting , stab holes deep enough so that the buds on crest will be 1 to 2 column inch below the surface of the soil . If planting crowns from pots , soil stage in the garden should be the same as the soil level in the pot . Space the hollow 3 feet aside , in course that are 5 - 6 feet apart . position coronate in holes with bud maneuver upward , then backfill . Scatter a smattering of 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer around each planting site . body of water thoroughly , but not too .
Rhubarb can also be depart from ejaculate . One advantage of this approach is that more varieties are uncommitted from on-line or catalogue trafficker . The disadvantage is that it can take an extra season before the plants are vigorous enough to harvest . pop out seed indoors , 5 or 6 weeks before the last frost . Harden off the seedlings after danger of frost is past , then plant as report above .
Cultivation
Climate is probably the master challenge when grow rhubarb plant in Virginia . Rhubarb grows good where summertime are relatively cool , with an average temperature of 75 ℉ . Rhubarb crowns also require 500 hours of temperatures below 50 ℉ to stimulate stalking outgrowth . Virginia winters are usually insensate enough , but summer can be debatable . If possible , choose a site with good afternoon shade . If this is not an alternative , deliberate using “ shade cloth ” to keep plants from overheat .
Otherwise , growing rhubarb is pretty easy . Irrigate , so that soil stick moist , but do not over - water , as this can leave to tip rot . Mulch , such as straw , will help maintain soil wet . Fertilize established flora in early bound with 20 lb . of 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer per 1000 square feet of seam . After harvest , side - dress with 2 lbs . of ammonium ion nitrate per 1000 square feet .
Vigorous plants will form flowering stalks . These chaff are round in cross - section ( see exposure above ) , as opposed to the oblong - shaped leafage - bearing stalking that we eat . Remove bloom stem as shortly as they seem , or they will disport energy and nutrients from crowns and leaf - bearing stalks .
Dividing crowns
Rhubarb crowns should be divided every 5 to 6 age . A crown is ready to separate when the husk egress around the exterior of the crown , not in the center ( see scene ) .
watershed crowns when plants are dormant , in late wintertime or early spring . Dig around and under each top , about a pes down , to split up it from its roots . Pull treetop out of the soil and brushing or wash them off . Using a sharp nigger or tongue , cut into chunk with 2 - 3 buds each . polish off and discard any soft or shitty bits . Replant as described above .
Diseases and cuss
Crown rot is the master disease that infects rhubarb . The major symptom is wilt of stalks and leaves , follow by speedy prostration and death of the whole plant . Water - soaked maculation may seem at the fundament of stem . Phytophthoracauses most crown rot , thoughPythium , RhizoctoniaandBotrytiscan also be at fault . Regardless , the only solution for crown rot is prevention , because jacket bunk ca n’t be halted once it sets in . To avoid crown rot : 1 ) maintain good drainage by integrate plenty of organic matter in the soil ; and 2 ) do not over - piddle . As cite above , mulch is a smashing way to keep soil moist without adding too much water .
The major pest is the rhubarb plant curculio , sometimes called the rhubarb weevil ( Lixus concavus ) . This cute little bug is about ½ inch long , with a foresighted , curved , straight - ended snout ( see picture ) . The curculio is browned or rust fungus - colorise , but it ’s often wrap up in yellow pollen . Curculios do n’t really consume rhubarb , but they punch hole in stalks and crowns to pose their testis . These hole leak out sap , reducing the plants ’ muscularity and promoting fungal diseases . Prevent rhubarb plant curculio infestation by keeping layer clear of curly dock ( see characterization ) , a pot that happens to be their preferred food source .
harvesting
In the first year after planting crowns or seedlings , do n’t harvest rhubarb plant at all . In the second year , harvest only 2 or 3 time , distribute out over 4 - 6 weeks . In subsequent years , harvest 3 - 5 times over 8 - 10 weeks . A general formula is not to harvest more than about ⅔ of the stalk at once . If new stalk are very boney or pencil - sized , stop harvest home .
Harvest stalking after their farewell are in full spring up , usually when they ’re smooth , not crumpled . Donotcut the stalks because the cut ends can let rot - causing pathogens into the crown . alternatively , snaffle a stalk at the base , then bend and pull up . It might be necessary to rock the stalk back and forth a couple time to loosen its joining to the crown . The attachment point should be visible at the bottom of the harvested angry walk , and will search like the bottom of a celery stalk .
Cut the farewell off the stalks as soon as possible to retard wilting . It ’s okay to compost the folio , but be trusted that favourite and child ca n’t get to them , due to their toxicity .
rhubarb plant will go dormant in summer heat , specially in warm zones , but it may resume farm when cooler weather paying back . finger spare to harvest judiciously at this point , as described above . Rhubarb is delicious in the fall too , peculiarly along with apple .
storehouse
Of course , rhubarb is well love fresh , but it can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks . This is peculiarly important when wait for strawberries to mature . wrapper stubble in aluminum foil ( moderately tightly ) , but do n’t pinch the foil . Keep in a “ crisper ” drawer of the refrigerator . The destination is to keep the still hunt moist , while prevent buildup of ethylene gas that will make them go soft .
rhubarb plant also freezes well . Wash and dry out the stalks , then thin out them into 1 - inch pieces , seal in a plastic suitcase , and lieu in the Deepfreeze .
preparation
formula have rhubarb are ample in books and online . Classics like the “ Joy of Cooking ” are my go - to sources . Here are a few of my favorite way to prepare pieplant :
∙ Cobbler , alone or with strawberries or apples ! This works well covered with cornmeal cookie .
∙ Pie , with or without strawberry or orchard apple tree .
∙ Compote ( chopped pieplant cook down with sugar to a sort of jelly ) , which is gravid as an frosting ointment topping . Also delicious in place of , or along with , strawberry shortcake and whip ointment .
∙ Roasted : Cut into chunks and jactitate with sugar and maybe some spice , such as cinnamon , vanilla extract bean source , or cardamom . Then roast at 350 ℉ for 25 - 30 min .
∙ Savory – really ! Great side dish aerial for beef , roasted with red wine-colored ( and a piddling sugar ) .
References and Further Reading :
Featured picture : Rhubarb stubble byJeremy Keith , CC BY 2.0
Growing pieplant in plate gardensUniversity of Minnesota Extension
Rhubarb ( Publication 438 - 110)Virginia Cooperative Extension
Rhubarb in Home GardensUniversity of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service
Rhubarb , Rheum rhabarbarumWisconsin Horticulture Division of telephone extension
Will that flora originate here?North Carolina Cooperative Extension
