All about the Rhubarb I

The rhubarb is an impressive plant that occupies an important place in every kitchen garden. It is technically a vegetable, although it is also used as a fruit in sweet dishes likes cakes, preserves and pies. It is a plant that is easy to grow in the light shady areas or those that receive full sunlight. The sandy soil in rich loamy properties helps in appropriate drainage. Other than this, the rhubarb is propagated not by seed but by division as the seed is not always adherent to the type.

Some suggest that the division of rhubarb can be planted with the buds being 4 to 5 inches below the surface, although in the north western Pacific regions of the USA, little rainfall would kill the plants if they were sown too deep. This is why you need to mound the soil for about 6 inches high. Lower planting can be done in the colder regions. The rhubarb divisions can be sown 3 to 4 feet apart from each other for adequate watering. Constant moisture is required with the exclusion of too much wetness (that can rot them) or dryness (for making them dormant).

The rhubarb is heavy on feeding and is bets grown with the help of composted fertilizers. Fresh manure can burn them, and right before the winter season sets in, it is best to fertilize rhubarb with manure compost of 3 to 4 inches. Quick fertilization in the fall makes them grow faster, without allowing the dormant stage in winter. In winter, the compost dries up and is broken down by the time spring sets in and the stalks of the first rhubarb are ready to be picked.

Rhubarb is generally sturdy against pests and diseases and it is best to eliminate dead stalks and leaves, or the composted rhubarb on the fresh rhubarb. The petioles or stalks of rhubarb are eaten, as the leaves are poisonous.

In the first year, it is best not to pick on the stalks, letting the rhubarb develop a strong root system. Harvest a few stalks the following year. In the third year, the plants will produce and this continues up to many years with proper maintenance.

Commercial rhubarb planters eliminate stalks during picking. However, this encourages seeding and consumes a lot of the energy that is required for growing the stalks. Prune about a third of rhubarb at a time, and thus you can extend the harvest.