Growing Rhubarb from Rootstock
Learn how to grow Rhubarb starting from rootstock in the early spring. |
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Rhubarb Rootstock
A closeup view of a piece of Rhubarb rootstock. This is a piece of an previous plant that has been cut and is ready to grow. The top of the rootstock contains some old dried leaves and the bottom is a cut root. On the bottom left of the leaf area you can see three small white bumps. These will turn begin emerging and turn into new rhubarb. |
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Plant the rootstock
Dig a hole two to three times the size of the rootstock about a foot deep. Fill the bottom six inches of the hole with rich composted material. Place the rhubarb rootstock in and cover with 6" of soil and composted material. |
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Rhubarb Begin to Emerge
About a month after planting the rhubarb rootstock small leaves begin to emerge. They start as round red bumps and before the leaf begins to emerge. |
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Rhubarb Stalks Emerge
After two months of growth the rhubarb rootstock has transformed from a domant root to full leaf rhubarb. In the first year it is best to let the plant grow to help establish the roots. If you can't wait till the second year a few of the larger and more red stalks can be cut; however will not have the full flavor you'll taste in the second year on. |
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Rhubarb Closeup
A closeup view of the Rhubarb central growth of stalks and leaves. |
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Cutting Rhubarb Stalks
In early June we began to harvest the Rhubarb stalks. Use a sharp knife or shear and cut the stalk just above ground level. |
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Ready for Rhubarb Strawberry Pie
Our harvest of Rhubarb and Strawberries are ready to be made into pie. |
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Rhubarb second year and on spring starting
Rhubarb will continue to emerge for many years from a strong root stock. The small red bulbs and green leaves emerge with the begining of each spring. Freshen up the soil around the rhubarb by removing any weeds and mixing in an inch of compost or peat moss into the top three inches of the soil. |
