Grow Your Own Rhubarb

I love to find seasonal produce on the menu of restaurants when I eat out. So often these days you find the same things offered all year round which means that they have come out of the freezer or they have been flown half way around the world. So I was delighted to find on the menu of the hotel I was staying in last week Rhubarb cream and Rhubarb cheesecake. At home at his time of year we often eat rhubarb pies, crumbles and sponges. As you can gather I am a great fan of rhubarb.

Rhubarb is expensive to buy but easy to grow although you need some patience as it will not produce immediately.

Starting out

Rhubarb can be grown from seed but most people will get a rooted plant which should be put in the ground in the autumn or early spring. The root should be planted with the crown about 2 inches below the surface of the soil and 3ft apart. It will thrive best in rich well cultivated soil in a sunny open position. The soil needs to be prepared well for the plants will remain in the spot for five years, cropping heavily. If a friend has a large plant ask them for a root as many gardeners dig up their plants after 5 years and split the roots and replant after re-freshing the soil with compost.

In the first year

In the first year no stalks should be pulled or gathered. This is hard but it ensures that the plants develop the strength for the years ahead and will pay dividends in the long term. The only exception to this is if there is a stalk which is going to produce a flower head - that should be cut out as soon as it is seen. If left to go to seed a flower head will sap energy from the plant and damage the crop in future.

Harvesting

When the time comes for picking or pulling the crop you must never pull all the sticks off a plant. Always leave at least four good stems in place so that the plant can produce more leaves and roots can build up a big crown under ground for the following year.

Top dressing

In the autumn you should give the pant a generous top dressing of manure or compost. My grandfather used to use fresh horse manure as he said this was best. It also can help to cover the dormant winter plants with straw to protect them form the worst of the winter cold.

Length of the season

There are different varieties available some of which are earlier and some later so you can extend the growing season. You can also produce sticks earlier than other wise by forcing the plants. This involves putting a bucket over the top of the plant in the early spring and it will grow up inside the container. I don't force my plants as I am prepared to wait until they are ready naturally and I believe these have a better flavor anyway.

I enjoy my rhubarb - I hope you will too.