Rhubarb Plants

Rhubarb comprises a group of perennial plants, all of which are categorized under the genus name Rheum. As per the taxonomic classification, rhubarb plants share the same family, Polygonaceae along with buckwheat and polygonum (knotweed). These plants are well-known for their fleshy petioles that add a tart flavor to pie recipes. Apart from culinary importance, the stems and roots of rhubarb plants are used as laxative, weight loss herb and other medicinal applications. But, it is to be borne in mind that rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and are poisonous, thus requiring the plant to be maintained with extra care.

Rhubarb Plant Identification

Rhubarb plants are herbaceous, growing to a height of approximately 70 cm. The leaves are large, green in color and somewhat triangular in shape. You can easily identify a rhubarb plant from its long and fleshy petiole, which vary in color from one cultivar to another. Based on the amount of anthocyanins, the petiole color may be light green, pink or crimson red. Out of these, the crop yield of green petiole is highest, while crimson red variety has higher market value than others. Flowers are small, greenish-white in color and borne in groups. In order to increase the productivity of stems next year, flower stalks are removed immediately after they emerge.

Guidelines for Planting Rhubarb

Rhubarbs are not widely grown in vegetable gardens. Commercial supply of rhubarb comes from greenhouse cultivation. In warmer regions, they grow throughout the year, while in cold climatic conditions, they undergo a dormancy state during extremely cold temperatures and develop new shoots in spring. If you are planning to grow rhubarb plants in your garden, the following tips will prove helpful for you in maintaining these medicinal plants.

• Planting Time: Being hardy to cold climates, winter and spring are ideal to plant these herbs. The growth and development of rhubarb plants is highest when the environmental temperature ranges between 50 - 90° F.
• Growing Site: The best plantation site to grow these plants is an area that receives partial to full sun. For shaded gardens, grow rhubarb plants in large pots and place them in sun-lit areas, so as to ensure optimal growth.
• Soil Condition: These herbaceous perennials grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Hence, do not forget to supplement the soil with a heavy dose of farmyard compost before introducing the plants to the garden soil.
• Propagation: They can be propagated from seeds or crowns. You can select one year old healthy crowns for planting in your garden, as propagation by seeds takes longer time for germination.
• Growing Rhubarb: Place the crown of rhubarb in the soil at a depth of about 2 - 3 cm below the surface. And, maintain a spacing of 1 m between two plants. Overcrowding will cause leaf size reduction and susceptibility to diseases.
• Irrigation: No doubt, all varieties of rhubarb are drought tolerant. But, that does not mean that the soil should be kept dry. Water regularly and make sure that the top soil is moist.
• Fertilization: Rhubarb plants require excess nutrients to grow and develop fully. Hence, in order to maintain healthy plants, you can add organic compost and decayed manure once in every month during the growing season.
• Harvesting: Harvesting of rhubarb petioles should be done from the second year of plantation (three years if grown by seeds). By this time, the root system is established properly in the soil. Hence, allow the plants to grow till spring season of the next year.

As far as winter care is concerned, trim the petioles to the base before frosting and lay a thick layer of mulch (2 inch). If required, transplant them in another garden site that meets the growth requirements of these perennials. Wondering how to transplant rhubarb plants? What you can do is dig the soil around the edge of the plants, making sure that you do not damage the rhizome. Gently pull them with the roots intact, remove dead roots (if any) and place the plants in the new growing area.

Once you grow rhubarbs, you can maintain them for more than 10 years. If proper rhubarb plants care tips are followed, they produce healthy petioles up to 15 years growing period. So, with correct care and maintenance, you can use garden fresh rhubarb petioles in baking pies for several years.