Rhubarb

Rhubarb Care

Rheum rhabarbarum

What is the plant

Rhubarb is a general term used for the cultivated plants in the genus Rheum in the family Polygonaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes. Historically, different plants have been called "rhubarb" in English.

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a vegetable that’s usually prepared and eaten like a fruit and is turned into pies, jams, jellies, and more. This cool-season crop, which is perennial in many areas, is grown for its fibrous leaf stalks that can make a wonderful tart treat. In addition, rhubarb can be a beautiful ornamental plant with its large, textured leaves and chunky stems. Rhubarb plants are generally hardy and long-lived, with some varieties growing for 20 years or longer. Plant in the early spring, but don’t start harvesting until the second growing season.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

5°C - 15°C

Hardiness zone

min 3a

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Rhubarb likes consistent moisture. While mature plants can be somewhat resistant to drought, rhubarb in its first two years of growing needs regular watering. However, don't overwater rhubarb, as the crown can rot in wet soil. A good rule is to water the plant when the top inch of soil dries out.
Fertilizer
Rhubarb needs lots of organic matter, such as compost, in the soil to grow well. Don’t add any chemical fertilizer to a young rhubarb plant, as the nitrates can kill it. You can add an organic fertilizer around your plant at the start of its second growing season, but make sure it’s safe if you intend to eat your rhubarb.
Sunlight
Rhubarb tends to produce best when planted in full sun. However, plants in the warmer growing zones usually benefit from some afternoon shade, especially during the hottest months of the year. Too much shade can result in thin stems.

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Soil
Rhubarb prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. In addition, it likes soil that's high in organic matter, which helps to support its growth. The soil should be moist but well-draining. If you have heavy soil, such as clay, consider planting your rhubarb in raised garden beds to provide the appropriate growing environment.
Temperature
Rhubarb likes climates in which the average temperature is below 40°F in the winter and below 75°F in the summer. It can be grown as an annual in warmer areas; however, too much heat can cause it to have thin stalks and leaves.
Popularity
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