Rhubarb

Growing

Planting rhubarb establishes a permanent crown in your garden. Because this is a long-lived perennial, you will likely propagate it through division rather than from seed. Keep the soil evenly moist and slightly acidic, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant is hardy and can survive a hard freeze, but grows best when the soil is rich and well-drained.

As the stalks grow, check the foliage for specialized pests. Certain caterpillars, such as those from the Lycaena genus, seek out rhubarb leaves to feed. Moth larvae like Arctia caja or Xestia baja can also damage the growth. Checking the leaves early in the season lets you manage these insects before they affect your harvest.

Harvest the stalks once they have reached a usable size, as the plant will not continue to ripen once picked. The stalks are edible, but the leaves and seeds are toxic and should be discarded immediately. To preserve your harvest, blanch the stalks before freezing them, or store them in the fridge. If you harvest unwashed, they will stay fresh longer in a cool, dark place.