Submitted by: Frankie Allwardt

Where to Grow?

The best place to grow it is in full sun but you may plant it in partial shade if this may be the only location you have available. The crowns will probably be present for up to ten years, if not longer so you should bear this in mind when selecting your growing area as this will take up a part of your garden for a long time..

The sole time you will be digging in this location is to separate the crowns if necessary. Rhubarb isn’t going to like to be disturbed as I discovered to my expense late last year when my helpful canine pal decided to have a digging session. I lost the entire bed.

What Soil to Plant in and How to make ready for planting?

Rhubarb will flourish in most soil conditions although it prefers a neutral PH if available, i.e. not acidic and not alkaline. About four weeks prior to planting your crown (I would advise purchasing the crown in place of planting from seed – just for the time aspect) you should integrate as much organic matter as you can into the soil (i.e. Garden compost), as you will not have the option to dig in any once the plant has been established.

For this you’re going to need the right Tools for Gardening such as a Garden Spade and a Wheelbarrow to move the compost out of your compost heap.

The very best time to plant is late autumn to early winter although you can plant out for most of the year if necessary. Rhubarb will also grow very well in containers for a couple of years if needs be. If you use a container, Garden Hand Tools for instance a Garden Trowel or Garden Fork is likely to be of more use than a spade.

Rhubarb Crowns are generally sold in Garden Centres and are plants which have taken over a year to grow from seed. As soon as the plant is about five old and established you can then lift the Rhubarb and split it into 3 or more crowns.

A hole ought to be dug slightly wider than the Crown and also the depth should be such that the plant will be about 1 inch below the surface when planted. Cover the plant with soil, gently firming the soil down to do away with air pockets.

Water well and mulch around the site using Garden Compost (but not directly on top of where the crown will emerge in about one month’s time). Three plants should be ample planted around three to four feet apart depending on the variety. The Crowns label will typically give you the appropriate spacing.

Forcing Rhuba

When you love your Rhubarb like I do you will be impatient for it to grow. Just about every couple of years between the months of November and February you are able to get away with forcing the Rhubarb into growing faster. Have at least two Rhubarb Crowns and Force on alternate years to give your plants a rest. You are going to still get a crop from this crown it will just be later.

Firstly clear around the base of your rhubarb crown, removing any old leaves and any weeds that may very well be present. Using a large pot or container (dustbins are great) cover the Rhubarb Crown. You want the plant to be in complete darkness so be sure that any holes in the container are covered over. Black Tape available from any DIY Shop will do the trick.

If you are in a cold area of the UK as I am insulate the outside of the pot with straw (can be obtained from any Pet Shop) to keep the crowns free from frost. About eight weeks after this is done you should have a crop ready to harvest. The Rhubarb should be around 20-30Cm in height by then so make sure you have a deep enough cover to start with.

Should you follow these instructions you should be enjoying your Rhubarb Pies and Crumbles between the months of January and April as the fresh stems will likely be able to be harvested throughout this time.

Overall Care

Once a year when the leaves have died down, apply a layer of compost around the plants (but not touching the plants). This should prevent weeds and conserve water. In dry periods you will need to well water these plants but at other times you can just leave them to their own devices. Apply some general fertiliser around the plants in February to support growth.

Always eradicate flower heads in early spring as soon as they appear as this can inhibit future growth if left to seed. Always leave the Rhubarb a year prior to harvesting as you don’t want to weaken the plant. In the second year always leave a minimum of five healthy stems. Having the right Tools for Gardening also aids of course.

About the Author: I Get pleasure from Gardening and desire to share it with you. For all your Tools for Gardening needs pay a visit to

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