Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable known for its vibrant red stalks and tart flavor, often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
While rhubarb is most commonly found in pies, jams, and sauces, it’s also a versatile plant that can be grown easily in your garden with minimal care.
If you’re interested in adding this unique vegetable to your garden, we’ll show you how to grow rhubarb successfully and share ten delicious ways to use it in your kitchen.
How to Grow Rhubarb: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choosing the Right Location
Rhubarb is a hardy, cool-season plant that can thrive in a variety of climates. However, it grows best in areas with cold winters, as it requires a period of dormancy to produce vigorous growth.
Best Location Tips:
- Sunlight: Rhubarb thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil: Rhubarb prefers well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
- Space: Give each rhubarb plant enough space to grow. Plant them 3-4 feet apart to allow for their large leaves and root systems to spread.
Tip: Avoid planting rhubarb in low-lying areas that stay wet, as soggy soil can cause root rot.
2. Planting Rhubarb
Rhubarb can be grown from crowns (established root sections) or seeds. While crowns are easier and faster to establish, you can grow rhubarb from seeds if you have more time and patience.
Planting from Crowns:
- Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring, as soon as the ground is workable.
- Dig a hole about 1-2 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots.
- Place the crown in the hole with the buds facing upwards, and cover with soil, leaving the buds slightly above the soil surface.
- Water the plant well after planting.
Planting from Seeds:
- Start rhubarb seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
- Plant seeds in seed-starting trays with a light potting mix, and keep them moist.
- Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 3-4 feet apart.
Tip: Avoid harvesting rhubarb during the first growing season to allow the plant to establish itself.
3. Watering and Fertilizing Rhubarb
Rhubarb requires consistent moisture to produce healthy stalks but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Proper watering and feeding will help your rhubarb thrive.
Watering Tips:
- Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated.
- During hot, dry periods, increase watering to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilizing Tips:
- In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or organic compost around the base of the plant.
- Mulch with straw or compost to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil.
Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce more leaves than edible stalks.
4. Mulching and Weed Control
Applying mulch around the base of the rhubarb plant helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.
Best Mulch Options:
- Use straw, compost, or well-rotted manure as mulch around your rhubarb plant.
- Keep the mulch 2-3 inches away from the plant’s crown to prevent rot.
Weed Control:
- Hand-pull weeds around the rhubarb plant to avoid disturbing its shallow root system.
- Apply mulch to suppress weed growth and reduce competition for nutrients.
5. Pruning and Dividing Rhubarb
Pruning and dividing your rhubarb plants helps maintain their health and productivity.
Pruning Tips:
- Remove any flower stalks that emerge, as flowering can reduce the plant’s vigor and stalk production.
- Cut off any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Dividing Rhubarb:
- Divide your rhubarb plant every 4-5 years in early spring or late fall.
- Dig up the entire plant, and use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into sections, each with at least one bud.
- Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil.
Tip: Dividing rhubarb helps rejuvenate the plant and ensures continued healthy growth.
6. Harvesting Rhubarb
Rhubarb is typically ready to harvest in its second or third year, once the plant is well-established.
How to Harvest Rhubarb:
- Wait until the stalks are 10-15 inches long and have a rich red color.
- Use a sharp knife or gently twist and pull the stalks away from the base.
- Harvest no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time to avoid over-harvesting.
Tip: Never eat the leaves, as they contain oxalic acid and are toxic if consumed.
10 Ways to Use Rhubarb
Rhubarb’s tangy, tart flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are ten delicious ways to use rhubarb in your kitchen:
1. Classic Rhubarb Pie
Rhubarb pie is a timeless dessert that highlights the tartness of rhubarb balanced with a sweet filling. Use fresh or frozen rhubarb to make a pie with a flaky crust, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
2. Rhubarb Crisp or Crumble
Create a comforting dessert by baking chopped rhubarb with a crumbly topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter. Rhubarb crisp is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
3. Rhubarb Jam
Make a sweet-tart rhubarb jam to spread on toast, muffins, or pancakes. You can add strawberries, ginger, or vanilla for extra flavor.
4. Rhubarb Compote
Rhubarb compote is a quick and easy way to cook down rhubarb with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Use it as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream.
5. Rhubarb Sauce for Meats
Create a savory rhubarb sauce to serve with pork, chicken, or fish. The tartness of rhubarb adds a unique flavor to meat dishes and acts as a great glaze or marinade.
6. Rhubarb Chutney
Rhubarb chutney combines rhubarb with spices, onions, and vinegar for a tangy condiment that pairs well with cheese, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
7. Rhubarb Sorbet or Ice Cream
Make a refreshing rhubarb sorbet by blending cooked rhubarb with sugar and freezing it. You can also swirl rhubarb compote into vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
8. Rhubarb Muffins or Bread
Incorporate chopped rhubarb into muffins or quick breads for a moist, tangy flavor. Add nuts, cinnamon, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
9. Rhubarb Smoothies
Blend rhubarb with strawberries, bananas, and yogurt to create a refreshing smoothie with a hint of tartness.
10. Rhubarb Cocktails or Mocktails
Make a rhubarb syrup by cooking rhubarb with sugar and water, then use it to create delicious cocktails or mocktails. Mix rhubarb syrup with sparkling water, gin, or vodka for a refreshing drink.
Growing rhubarb at home is a rewarding experience that can provide you with a bountiful harvest year after year.
