Introduction
Rhubarb, with its striking crimson stalks and tart flavor, is a garden staple for many. From comforting pies and crumbles to tangy sauces and jams, this versatile plant adds a unique zest to culinary creations. But what if you could have even more of this delectable perennial gracing your garden? Propagating rhubarb is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to expand your harvest without breaking the bank, and preserve those cherished varieties you adore. You don’t need to rely solely on purchasing new plants; you can create more of your favorite rhubarb yourself.
Propagating rhubarb offers numerous advantages. It’s a cost-effective way to increase your rhubarb patch, particularly if you already have a mature plant. It also ensures that you maintain the specific characteristics of your favorite varieties. If you’ve discovered a particularly flavorful or robust rhubarb, propagation allows you to replicate its qualities, ensuring a consistent and reliable crop for years to come. While both division and seeds offer routes to propagation, this article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to successfully propagate rhubarb using both division and seeds, enabling you to establish a thriving rhubarb patch that will provide years of delicious harvests.
Propagation by Division: Expanding Your Rhubarb Patch Quickly
When it comes to multiplying your rhubarb plants, division is often the preferred method. There are good reasons for this choice.
The Appeal of Division
Division offers several advantages over starting from seeds. Perhaps the most significant benefit is speed. Plants propagated through division mature much faster than those grown from seed, often producing harvestable stalks within a year or two. Another crucial advantage is genetic consistency. Division ensures that the new plants will be genetically identical to the parent plant, preserving all its desirable traits, such as flavor, color, and stalk size. This is particularly important if you have a rhubarb variety that you especially enjoy.
The ideal time to divide rhubarb is either in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge, or in late fall, after the plant has gone dormant. Avoiding division during the heat of summer minimizes stress on the plant.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin the division process, gather the necessary tools and materials. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient operation. You will need the following:
- A sharp spade or shovel: For digging up and dividing the rhubarb crown. Sharpness is essential to minimize damage to the plant.
- A clean knife or saw (optional): For dividing particularly large or tough crowns. Sterilizing the blade beforehand is a good practice to prevent disease.
- Garden gloves: To protect your hands from dirt and potential irritants.
- A wheelbarrow or tarp: To transport the rhubarb crown and divisions.
- Prepared planting location(s): Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your new rhubarb plants.
- Compost or well-rotted manure: To enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients.
The Division Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s delve into the actual division process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the best possible results:
- Preparing the Plant: Identify a healthy and mature rhubarb plant that is at least three to four years old. This will ensure that the plant has a well-established root system and sufficient energy reserves for successful division. Avoid dividing young or stressed plants.
- Digging Up the Crown: Carefully dig around the rhubarb plant, starting about a foot away from the base. Use the spade or shovel to loosen the soil and gradually expose the crown. Be gentle to avoid damaging the roots. Once the crown is exposed, carefully lift it out of the ground, trying to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible.
- Dividing the Crown: Examine the crown carefully and identify natural division points. These are typically areas where distinct clusters of buds (also known as “eyes”) are visible. Use the sharp spade, knife, or saw to divide the crown into sections, ensuring that each section has at least two to three healthy buds. These buds are essential for new growth. Discard any old, woody, or diseased sections of the crown.
- Preparing the Planting Site: Select a location with full sun, good drainage, and enough space for each plant to grow. Rhubarb is a large plant, so allow for at least three to four feet of spacing between plants. Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the division. Amend the soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Planting the Divisions: Place each division in the prepared planting hole, ensuring that the buds are positioned just below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Watering and Aftercare: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, for the first few weeks after planting. Mulch around the plants with straw or wood chips to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize the plants in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
Propagation by Seeds: A Longer Path to Rhubarb
While division is generally preferred, propagating rhubarb from seeds can be a viable option in certain situations. For example, if you’re interested in experimenting with different rhubarb varieties or if you don’t have access to existing plants, seeds can provide a starting point. It can also be a fun garden project.
Why Consider Seeds and Their Drawbacks
It’s essential to be aware of the drawbacks. Rhubarb plants grown from seeds typically take longer to mature than those grown from divisions. Expect to wait several years before you can harvest any stalks. Another important consideration is that seedlings may not always be true to type. In other words, the plants may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant, especially if the parent was a hybrid variety.
Gathering Your Supplies
If you decide to propagate rhubarb from seeds, gather the following supplies:
- Rhubarb seeds: Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate.
- Seed starting trays or pots: To start the seeds indoors.
- Seed starting mix: A lightweight, well-draining mix designed for seedlings.
- Spray bottle or watering can: To keep the soil moist.
- Grow lights (optional): To provide adequate light for seedlings grown indoors.
- Prepared planting location(s): As described above.
The Seed Starting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Seed Starting: Start rhubarb seeds indoors approximately eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep in seed starting mix, spacing them about an inch apart. Alternatively, you can direct sow the seeds outdoors after the last frost, once the soil has warmed up.
- Germination: Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist, but not soggy. Germination typically occurs within one to two weeks. Provide warmth and adequate light for the seedlings. If you’re growing them indoors, use grow lights to supplement natural light.
- Caring for Seedlings: Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that only the strongest seedlings remain. Continue to provide adequate light, water, and ventilation. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping-off disease.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, helps prevent transplant shock. Start by placing the seedlings outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors over the course of a week or two.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings have been hardened off, transplant them to their permanent location in the garden. Space the plants at least three to four feet apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
- Ongoing Care: Plants propagated from seed require patience. It usually takes at least two years before harvesting can begin.
Collecting Rhubarb Seeds
Allow the rhubarb plant to flower and develop seeds. Once the seed heads dry and turn brown, collect them. Gently separate the seeds from the chaff. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until planting time.
General Care After Propagation: Nurturing Your Rhubarb Plants
Whether you propagate rhubarb through division or seeds, providing proper care is essential for healthy growth and abundant harvests.
Watering
Rhubarb plants need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing
Fertilize rhubarb plants in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of stalk production.
Weed Control
Keep the area around rhubarb plants free of weeds. Weeds compete with rhubarb for nutrients and water. Mulching can help suppress weed growth.
Pest and Disease Management
Rhubarb is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by problems such as crown rot or rhubarb curculio. Practice good sanitation and provide proper drainage to prevent these issues.
Harvesting
Harvest rhubarb stalks in spring and early summer, once they are at least twelve inches long. Do not harvest more than one-third of the stalks at a time. Remove the leaves, which are poisonous, before using the stalks. Be patient with plants started from seed; they will need time to mature before harvesting. Divisions can typically be harvested after one to two years.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Problems
Even with the best care, you may encounter some challenges when propagating rhubarb. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Transplant Shock
Seedlings or divisions may experience transplant shock after being moved to their new location. This can manifest as wilting or slow growth. To minimize transplant shock, water the plants thoroughly after transplanting and provide shade for the first few days.
Slow Growth
Rhubarb plants may grow slowly if they are not receiving enough sunlight, water, or nutrients. Ensure that the plants are planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil and that they are receiving adequate water and fertilizer.
Pests
Rhubarb curculio is the most common pest for rhubarb. Remove the pests by hand.
Conclusion: Multiply Your Rhubarb Harvest with Ease
Propagating rhubarb is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to expand your garden, preserve cherished varieties, and enjoy a bountiful harvest for years to come. Whether you choose to propagate through division or seeds, the process is relatively simple and straightforward.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully multiply your rhubarb plants and enjoy the delicious and versatile stalks that this perennial has to offer. Don’t hesitate to experiment and discover the joy of growing your own rhubarb patch. With a little patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with a plentiful supply of this garden classic. So, get out there and give it a try – a thriving rhubarb patch awaits!
