Cut off the rhubarb after harvest

Rhubarb or Rheum barbarum, as it is called in botanical terminology, is a stem vegetable and a permanent crop. If it is well cared for, it can easily live a whole decade in the same location and even increases in yield. Provided that a few crucial points are observed in the culture. This includes the waste after the harvest.

harvest

Rhubarb can be harvested very early but not for long. Harvest time is traditionally on the 24th. June ended. Another sign of harvest completion is the formation of buds. The reason for this is not that it is anchored in traditions - but that the content of oxalic acid increases significantly afterwards. Although this is also found in other types of vegetables and fruit, it is harmful to health when consumed in large quantities.

In addition to the time limit, another point should be considered when harvesting the rhubarb: the harvest quantity. One to a maximum of two thirds of the stems should be harvested. Otherwise the plant will be weakened too much. The leaves and the top and bottom stem ends can be cut off and left directly on the bed or incorporated into the soil. They serve the rhubarb as a natural green manure and reduce the effort involved in the additional nutrient supply.

fertilization

In order for the rhubarb to be able to deliver high yields and also cope with cutting without any problems, it needs the appropriate nutrients. As a heavy feeder, it should be well fertilized anyway. However, if it is to be harvested regularly, the amount of fertilizer must be increased again.

Experience has shown that about three to five liters of mature compost with about 100 grams should be used per square meter Mixed with horn shavings and superficially worked into the soil around the rhubarb in the substrate become. This nutrient supply takes place at the first budding of the year, i.e. around March. For this purpose, the plants should be watered in a floating manner so that the fertilizer can be distributed evenly.

Another fertilization takes place after the end of the harvest in June. Recommended means are then:

• vegetable manure
• vegetable fertilizer
• compost
• the leaves and stalks of the rhubarb

flower stalks

When the rhubarb develops flower stalks, it uses a lot of energy to do so. The plant therefore does not invest its energy in the reserves required for overwintering and thus in the development of new yields, but in reproduction. This can and should be prevented if no seeds are to be obtained. For this purpose, the flower stalks are twisted out or cut out. In order to protect the reserves of the plant, the measure should be taken as early as possible.

waste

As mentioned, not all of the rhubarb should be harvested so that the reserves of the crop are not reduced too much. For this very reason, a blend immediately after the harvest is not advisable. Unfortunately, it is still common practice to cut off all stems at ground level as soon as they can no longer be harvested.

However, it is gentler on the plant and more beneficial for the next harvest not to shorten the still green, vital shoots. Only withered and dead stems are removed. This measure can be carried out either in early spring or in autumn. It is a little safer to let the rhubarb be cut in the fall. This will not damage the new shoots. However, in January or February it is still possible to remove dead leaves and stalks from the rhubarb.

Implement

The rhubarb can remain in the same location for about ten years. This is rather unusual for a heavy feeder, but with the right fertilization it is definitely possible. Then it should be moved or a new plant should be grown at the new location. Again, leaves and stems can be left directly on the bed or incorporated into the soil for faster nutrient distribution. Replanting can take place before sprouting in spring or in autumn.

If space in the bed is limited, a raised bed can be the solution. Here it is sufficient to change the soil completely or at least the upper layers in order to be able to plant the rhubarb again in the same place or another heavy feeder.

Diseases

Rhubarb is a hardy plant that rarely suffers from disease. However, leaf spot disease and the so-called mosaic disease can occur. The leaf spots are brownish discolorations with a yellowish or reddish border. It is usually sufficient to cut off affected leaves. The rhubarb can still be harvested.

Mosaic disease is different because it is a viral infection that can also affect other plants. It manifests itself through the following symptoms:

• numerous spots on the leaves that are light or dark green
• yellowish discolorations reminiscent of a mosaic
• brown leaf margins
• arched, dead areas

The mosaic disease cannot be cured and even a blend of rhubarb is not enough. Affected growths must therefore be removed and destroyed. In addition, no rhubarb should be planted in the appropriate place for at least five years. Risk factors for introducing and spreading mosaic disease include:

• Aphid infestation
• Plants from uncertain sources, for example from the garden neighbor
• too small distance to other plants, especially fruit trees

Mosaic disease can be prevented by a well-chosen location, controls and control of aphids and the use of certified seedlings.

Conclusion

Rhubarb is an easy-to-grow plant that does not require pruning - but should be freed from dead parts. If this measure is carried out regularly and the care is coordinated, the stem vegetables can deliver good yields for ten years.

Learn more about rhubarb