Planting rhubarb: location, time & Co.

Rhubarb is good to plant in your own garden. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the cultivation and location of rhubarb.

At a time when fresh fruit was not available in the supermarket all winter long, the rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) eagerly awaited in spring. It is the local fruit that ripens first in spring, although from a botanical point of view it is actually a vegetable. Rhubarb is a perennial plant and can be harvested again every year without much effort. Its strong fragrances protect it wonderfully from predators, which makes a successful cultivation even easier. Since rhubarb is resistant to cold and frost, it is also ideal for cooler gardens. In the following, we will give you tips on the ideal location and planting, and at the end we will also share the most important care instructions with you.

The ideal location for rhubarb

The rhubarb prefers a sunny and sheltered spot in your garden. The soil should be as permeable as possible with a pH value of 7. If the soil is more acidic, the rhubarb will be happy to have limescale. The location conditions after the harvest are less important to the rhubarb, which is why it also feels very comfortable under fruit trees, which then cast shade on it in summer. Since rhubarb multiplies rapidly and forms a huge rhizome, you should think of enough space for the tree roots when planting under fruit trees. Apart from fruit trees are spinach, Lettuce, cabbage vegetables and Beans good neighbors for the rhubarb.

When and how to plant rhubarb

As early as autumn, the pieces of roots (so-called lumps) that have been separated from older plants are planted in well-loosened soil. There should be a lot in the ground beforehand compost be incorporated. Each fully grown plant takes up approximately one square meter of space. If you want to buy a new rhubarb plant, there are container plants that should ideally be planted in April or autumn. There are also Rhubarb varietiesthat can be planted all year round; it is best to look it up on the respective plant description. Once the rhubarb is planted, all you have to do is look after it a little and nothing stands in the way of your own harvest.

Plant rhubarb in a pot

Basically, rhubarb can also be planted in pots. However, you should note that the pot culture should only be a temporary solution, as the plant feels most comfortable in the bed. Because of its rapid growth, the rhubarb should be transplanted into a sufficiently large planter as soon as possible after purchase. As mentioned, the plant prefers a permeable soil with a pH value of 7. Fill the pot with some substrate and place the rhubarb plant on top. Now just fill the pot with soil, press it well and supply the rhubarb directly with water. Over time, repotting may be necessary or the plant can be planted directly from the pot into the bed.

Summary of planting rhubarb:

• Rhubarb prefers a sunny, sheltered location in the garden (suitable plant neighbors: fruit trees, spinach, lettuce, cabbage vegetables, beans); the soil should be permeable with a pH of 7
• Rhubarb reproduces strongly and should therefore have sufficient space (about one square meter per plant)
• Either pieces of root from older plants are planted or container plants are purchased
• The time of planting varies depending on the variety, container goods should be planted in April or autumn
• As a temporary solution, rhubarb can also be planted in pots; You should make sure that the planter is large enough and that the soil is well drained

Transplant rhubarb

After about seven years you can treat your rhubarb plant to a new location enriched with compost. The best way to do this can be found in our special article on Propagation of rhubarb.

Caring for rhubarb

In itself, the rhubarb is not particularly maintenance-intensive. Rhubarb loves nutrient-rich, compost-enriched soil. It is sometimes difficult to add compost to the mature perennial, which is why it is important, especially when planting, to enrich the soil with sufficient compost beforehand. Also a primarily organic bio-fertilizer like ours Plantura organic tomato fertilizer can be worked into the ground. The best time for further fertilization is after the harvest in June or July. More about the ideal Fertilizing the rhubarb You will find here.

The only thing you should do when pouring the rhubarb is to be careful not to keep it too dry. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging well either. Some sources recommend removing the inflorescences, which can also be consumed. However, it is not mandatory to remove the flowers. The visual and decorative appeal of the flower speaks in favor of keeping the flowers.

In the end, of course, it's also important to know your own How to harvest rhubarb properly. In our special article we have put together what you have to pay attention to and when it is best to harvest.