Ultimate Success Guide: Top Tips for Growing and Harvesting Rhubarb in the UK
Growing rhubarb can be a rewarding and delicious addition to your garden, especially when you know the right techniques to ensure a bountiful and healthy harvest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of rhubarb, from planting to harvesting, and even forcing for that early-season treat.
Choosing the Right Variety
When it comes to growing rhubarb, selecting the right variety is crucial for optimal results. There are several popular varieties, each with its own unique characteristics.
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Popular Varieties
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Timperley Early: Known for its early forcing capabilities, this variety is a favorite among gardeners who want to get a head start on the growing season. It produces slender, brightly colored stalks that are perfect for early pies and jams[1][4].
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Victoria: This long-established variety is renowned for its large, thick, and juicy red stalks. It is an excellent choice for main-season crops and is particularly hardy, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens[2][4].
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Stockbridge Arrow: Bred by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Experimental Station at Stockbridge House, Yorkshire, this variety is celebrated for its vigorous growth and high-quality, lipstick-red stems. It responds well to forcing and is a favorite among traditional Yorkshire growers[4].
Planting Rhubarb
Planting rhubarb is a straightforward process, but it requires some careful consideration to ensure the best start for your plants.
Best Time to Plant
The best time to plant rhubarb is from autumn to early spring. This allows the plant to establish itself before the growing season begins. Avoid planting in the middle of the growing season, as this can stress the plant and reduce its chances of thriving[5].
Soil Preparation
Rhubarb loves deep, rich soil with good drainage. Before planting, make sure to dig in plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure or good quality peat-free compost. The ideal soil for rhubarb is neutral to slightly acidic, though it can tolerate quite acidic soil. However, chalk or limestone soils are less suitable and may require additional improvement[4][5].
Planting Distance
Plant your rhubarb crowns about 90cm apart in a sunny position. Rhubarb hates partial shade, so ensure your chosen spot receives full sun. If you’re planting multiple crowns, make sure they have enough space to grow without overcrowding[4].
Growing Rhubarb
Growing rhubarb is relatively easy, but it does require some ongoing care to keep your plants healthy and productive.
Soil Maintenance
Keep the soil around your rhubarb plants well-fed. Apply a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the plant in autumn to boost nutrient levels. This will help your rhubarb plants grow robustly and produce abundant stalks[1].
Watering and Mulching
Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Rhubarb crowns can rot if they are too damp, especially during winter. If there is any doubt over drainage, mound the rhubarb bed so the crowns are above ground level and avoid covering them with mulch[4].
Protecting from Pests and Diseases
Clear away dead leaves and debris from around the crown to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Also, protect your crowns from extreme frost by covering them with straw or mulch before the winter sets in[1].
Forcing Rhubarb
Forcing rhubarb is a traditional technique that allows you to enjoy tender, sweet stalks earlier in the season.
When to Force Rhubarb
The ideal time to start forcing rhubarb is in mid-to-late winter, typically January to February in the UK. This ensures the crown has undergone its natural dormancy period and has stored enough energy to support new growth[1].
How to Force Rhubarb
- Choose the Right Plant: Select a robust, mature rhubarb crown. Forcing takes a lot of energy, so younger or less-established plants may struggle to recover.
- Prepare the Crown: Clear away dead leaves and debris from around the crown.
- Exclude Light: Place a forcing pot or a large upturned container over the crown. Ensure it’s tall enough to accommodate the stalks as they grow. Cover any holes or gaps to block out light completely.
- Add Warmth (Optional): In colder regions, insulate the container with straw, fleece, or hessian to encourage faster growth.
- Wait for Growth: Check periodically, but avoid lifting the container too often. After about 6 to 8 weeks, you should see tender, elongated stalks ready for harvest[1].
Harvesting Rhubarb
Harvesting rhubarb is a rewarding part of the growing process, and doing it correctly ensures the health and longevity of your plants.
Main Season Harvest
For main-season rhubarb, wait until the stalks are about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long. Pull the stalks gently from the base rather than cutting them to avoid damaging the crown. Only harvest for a short period to ensure the plant can recover for the next growing season[1].
Forced Rhubarb Harvest
For forced rhubarb, the stalks will be ready after about 6 to 8 weeks under the forcing pot. Again, pull the stalks gently from the base. It’s important to limit the harvesting period to up to 6 weeks to allow the plant to recover[1].
Aftercare for the Crown
After harvesting, it’s crucial to let the plant recover.
Allowing Photosynthesis
Remove the forcing pot and allow the plant to photosynthesize freely. This helps the plant replenish its energy reserves for the next growing season[1].
Avoiding Over-Forcing
Avoid forcing the same crown two years in a row. Rotate forcing between different crowns each year to maintain healthy plants. This ensures that each crown has enough time to recover and build up its energy reserves[1].
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues you might encounter when growing rhubarb and how to address them:
Crown Rot
Crown rot can occur if the soil is too damp. To prevent this, ensure good drainage and avoid covering the crowns with mulch. If you notice any signs of rot, remove the affected parts and improve the drainage around the plant[4].
Flower Stalks
Sometimes, rhubarb plants may produce flower stalks, which can divert energy from the edible stalks. Remove these flower stalks as soon as you notice them to encourage the plant to focus on producing more edible stalks[5].
Practical Tips for Success
Here are some practical tips to ensure your rhubarb plants thrive:
- Use Well-Fed Crowns: Apply a layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the plant in autumn to boost nutrient levels.
- Protect from Extreme Frost: Cover the crowns with straw or mulch before winter to protect them from extreme frost.
- Rotate Forcing: Rotate forcing between different crowns each year to maintain healthy plants.
- Avoid Over-Harvesting: Only harvest for a short period to ensure the plant can recover for the next growing season[1].
Comparison of Popular Rhubarb Varieties
Here’s a comparison of some popular rhubarb varieties to help you choose the best one for your garden:
| Variety | Description | Best For | Growth Habit | Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timperley Early | Early forcing, slender, brightly colored stalks | Early forcing | Vigorous | January-February |
| Victoria | Large, thick, juicy red stalks | Main season | Hardy | Late spring-early summer |
| Stockbridge Arrow | High-quality, lipstick-red stems, late season | Forcing and main season | Vigorous | Late spring-early summer |
Quotes from Experienced Gardeners
- “Forcing rhubarb is a simple yet rewarding process. It brings a taste of spring to your table weeks ahead of the natural season.” – Local Gardener[1]
- “Rhubarb is a very good low-maintenance crop that is very hardy and excellent for pies and preserves.” – James McIntyre[2]
- “The key to successful rhubarb growing is good soil preparation and ensuring the crowns are well-drained.” – Hayes Garden World[5]
Growing and harvesting rhubarb can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you follow the right tips and techniques. From choosing the right variety to forcing for early stalks, each step requires careful attention to detail. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, home-grown rhubarb that will make your pies, crumbles, and jams truly special.
Remember, the success of your rhubarb plants depends on their care throughout the year. With the right soil, proper protection, and careful harvesting, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile and delicious vegetable for years to come. Happy gardening