Extremely easy to care for, rhubarb is one of the most popular plants that should not be missing from any kitchen garden. Unlike the original form of the “barbarian root” (Rheum barbarum), the cultivated forms taste less bitter and more aromatic and sour. So that you can harvest high yields, it is important to give the stalked vegetables the optimal space and to support their vigorous growth with the right care measures.
How can you successfully grow and care for rhubarb?
Growing and caring for rhubarb works best with humus- and nutrient-rich, permeable, moist soil and a partially shaded location. Mulching and fertilizing with compost, horn shavings and organic vegetable fertilizer support growth; adequate watering is essential. The harvest takes place from May to the end of June.
The Location
Rhubarb prefers humus- and nutrient-rich, permeable, moist soils. Full sun is not necessary because the stem vegetables feel more comfortable in a partially shaded location. This should be surrounded by sunlight for a few hours a day so that the plant develops strong stems.
When planting, remember that rhubarb is a perennial that can grow significantly in size. One square meter of area is the absolute minimum for weaker-growing, red-fleshed varieties such as “Holsteiner Blut”. Green-fleshed rhubarb spreads out even more and should have about 1.5 square meters of space.
Soil preparation
In order to meet the requirements of the stalked vegetables, you must first loosen the soil thoroughly and remove all weeds.
- Mix sandy substrate with plenty of leaf humus, as this increases the soil's ability to store water.
- Insert the rhubarb and water very thoroughly.
- Afterwards, work compost around the perennial, which you have enriched with horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon).
- The stem vegetables are grateful for a protective layer of bark mulch, which slowly decomposes.
Care
- Rhubarb is thirsty and needs to be watered abundantly, not only in the main growth phase of May and June.
- Since only the stems are used in the kitchen, you can distribute the large leaves around the plant as valuable mulching material.
- The nutrient requirements are covered by fertilizer applications with compost and horn shavings in spring.
- If the harvest season is coming to an end in June, provide the stalked vegetables with organic vegetable fertilizer again.
- Rhubarb is extremely frost hardy. Additional winter protection is not necessary.
Rhubarb is very robust and is avoided by snails and voles. However, it is occasionally attacked by leaf spot diseases. It is then sufficient to break out all affected leaves and dispose of them in the household waste.
How and when can I harvest?
If you want to harvest aromatic rhubarb for many years, you should be patient and only break out the stems in the second year after planting, and preferably in the third year after planting. In order not to weaken the plant too much, only remove a good third to about half of the leaves during the entire harvest period.
This lasts from May to the end of June. Afterwards, the oxalic acid content of the stalked vegetables increases so much that they should no longer be consumed.
Tip
You should never cut out rhubarb stalks, but always break them out of the base with a slight tug.
