🌿 Rhubarb Planting Instructions

 

Rhubarb is a hardy, long-lived perennial that can produce delicious harvests for 10–20 years or more. Easy to grow and highly productive, it is a fantastic addition to any garden, allotment, or kitchen garden.

 

🌱 Planting Position

Choose a sunny or partially shaded position with fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Rhubarb thrives in soil enriched with plenty of organic matter and benefits from a permanent position where it can remain undisturbed for many years.

 

📏 Planting Distance

  • Plants: 75–90cm (2.5–3ft) apart
  • Rows: 1–1.2m (3–4ft) apart

 

Allow plenty of space for plants to develop their large leaves and strong root systems.

 

🌳 Planting

  1. Dig a generous planting hole and incorporate well-rotted compost or manure.
  2. Position the crown so the growing bud sits just at or slightly below soil level.
  3. Firm the soil gently around the crown.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting.

 

💧 Watering

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly during the first growing season. Established plants benefit from consistent moisture to encourage strong stem production.

 

🌿 Feeding & Care

Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the plant each spring. Keep the area weed-free and remove any flower stems as they appear to encourage stronger growth.

 

🌱 Harvesting

Do not harvest during the first year after planting. Allow the crown to establish fully. From the second year onwards, pull mature stems gently from the base rather than cutting them.

 

🌟 Top Tip

Leave a portion of the stems on the plant after harvesting to maintain vigour and ensure strong crops in future years.

 

English’s Fruit Nursery Tip

 

A well-established rhubarb plant can provide abundant harvests for many years, making it one of the most rewarding and reliable crops for the home garden.