Growing Guides How to grow rhubarb

Date Published:

07/02/2008

Planting time

Rhubarb is best grown from dormant crowns (mature roots, available from vegetable seed suppliers) which are usually planted outdoors in February or March.

However, container-grown rhubarb plants are sometimes available from nurseries and garden centres and these can be planted in the autumn, winter or spring, as long as the ground is in good condition.

Planting depth

Rhubarb crowns should be planted so that the top bud of each one is just below ground level. They should be spaced 90cm (3ft) apart. Afterwards, firm down the soil well and spread a mulch of garden compost over the area.

Container-grown rhubarb should be planted to the same depth as in their original containers.

Harvesting

The stems can be harvested throughout the spring and early summer. However, it is possible to 'force' an early crop of stems in the late winter and early spring.

This is done by covering a crown in January or February with a terracotta 'rhubarb forcer' - a large upturned plastic bucket will suffice – and, if you can, covering this with horse manure and straw. The lack of light and the heating effect of the container will cause the rhubarb to produce tender stems, which can be picked six to eight weeks later.

Once a plant has been through this process, remove the forcer and give it a feed with a general organic fertiliser. The plant will need time to recover its strength, so do not repeat the forcing process for at least two seasons.