Rhubarb is a perennial plant, commonly grown for its edible stocks, often considered a vegetable but used primarily in sweet dishes, it has a tart flavor that pairs well with sugar in pies, jams, and other desserts. Rhubarb farming offers a unique opportunity to cultivate a perennial plant priced for its start and tangy stocks, by selecting a suitable site preparing the soil, and following proper planting and care practices farmers can enjoy a steady harvest of rhubarb for use in a variety of culinary delight. The resilience of rhubarb as a perennial adds to its appeal making it a reliable addition to any garden or small farm, with its distinctive flavor and versatile use in both sweet and savory dishes rhubarb remains a beloved choice among gardeners and chefs alike, offering a delicious touch of tartness to a range of culinary creations.
Rhubarb thrives in well-drained fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, the site should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve its nutrient content and structure. Rhubarb is typically propagated through crowns or divisions, crowns are sections of mature rhubarb plants that include both the roots and the growing points which are the buds from which new shoots will emerge plant rhubarb crowns in early spring or fall ensuring they are placed about 3-4 feet apart to allow sufficient space for growth, the crown should be placed just below the soil surface with the growing points above ground.
Requirements
Rhubarb requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growth periods however it’s important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after harvesting to provide essential nutrients for growth, also apply mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more even soil temperature. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and diseases such as crown rot, proper sanitation and cultural practices can help prevent and manage these issues.
Rhubarb stocks can be harvested starting in the second year after planting, to harvest grass the stock near the base and gently twist or pull it away from the crown, only harvest about one-third of the stocks from a plant at a time to ensure the plant’s continued health and growth, avoid harvesting the stocks in late summer to allow the plant to build up energy for the winter.
