Rhubarb Plant – Vegetable garden

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a vegeable, herbaceous
perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes. The leaves are
large and somewhat triangular. Rhubarb will grow to be about
to 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet. On up to 5-foot
stalks, the plant produces flowers that, in their nascent
stage, resemble pink-tinged cauliflower. They gradually
unfurl into great clouds of white. Remove the flowers as they
appear. Because this will direct the plant’s energy into
growing tasty stems instead of flowering and setting seed.

Scientific Name: Rheum rhabarbarum
Common Name: Rhubarb

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum):

Light:
It thrives well in full sun to partial shade. Light afternoon
shade in hot climates.

Soil:
It grows well in Well-drained, deep, fertile soil, high in
organic matter, pH 5.5 to 6.5.

Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season and
always keep the soil evenly moist but never allow your plant
to sit in water. You can allow the topsoil to become slightly
dry between each watering.

Temperature:
Rhubarb does best where the average temperature falls below
40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and below 75 degrees
Fahrenheit in the summer.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with well-rotted manure and general fertilizer in
early spring. To encourage leaf growth, remove flowering
stems as they appear.

Harvest:
Try not to harvest during the first year of growth. Cut the
tart red stalks from February to April after the first year
of undisturbed growth. Pluck the outside stalks from large
plants with a sideways and downwards action to pull them away
cleanly from the crown. After picking, cut the leaves from
the stalks and safely dispose of the leaves, as they contain
oxalic acid, which is poisonous. Stalks can be harvested all
at once or selectively as required. Every 4 to 5 years dig up
and divide your plants to avoid over-crowded and stunted
plants.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by dividing the root mass,
growing rhubarb from seeds, or by Tissue Culture. It can
propagated by planting pieces obtained by dividing the crown.
Pieces are taken from four to five years old crowns. You can
divide rhubarb with equal success in either early spring or
late fall. Start seed about 6 – two months before last frost
date.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for slugs
around new seedlings. Otherwise, rhubarb is a tough, hardy
plant with few pests.

Advantages of Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum):

• Rhubarb is grown primarily for its fleshy stalks, technically
  known as petioles.
• The red stalks can be cooked with sugar and added to pies. Itcontains glycosides and have a laxative activities, hence is valuable as a cathartic in case of constipation.
• Stalks are utilized to make delicious pies, cobblers, jams and sauces.
• Bloom buds can be cooked and have a similar texture to cauliflower, with a tarty twist.