If a rhubarb stands in one location for several years, the substrate is used up. This leads to weaker growth and lower yields. In addition, the plant becomes more susceptible to diseases and pests. Even with regular fertilization, the consumption of the heavy eater cannot be balanced out. When moving, however, the root depth of the rheum rhabarbarum must be taken into account.
Root depth
The flowers of the rhubarb can reach a height of up to two meters. The older the plant is and the longer it stands in one location, the higher the inflorescence will be. Provided that the conditions at the location are optimal and the plant is adequately supplied with nutrients.
But what does this have to do with the depth of the roots of the rhubarb?
The height of the flowers is a good indication of how deep the plant's roots go. Because these also gain in depth and spread the longer the plant stands in the same location. Addicted
Depending on the nature of the soil and the age of the plant, depths of up to about two meters are possible. This also explains why the rhubarb proves to be a stubborn plant.Dig out
As a heavy eater, rhubarb forms comparatively deep roots. On the one hand, this makes the plant very robust and resistant. On the other hand, it ensures the supply of nutrients and fluids and makes the rheum rhabarbarum an easy-care plant. Despite these advantages and the low cost of cultivating rhubarb, it requires larger amounts of nutrients.
After about ten years in the same location, the substrate is therefore used up. Regular fertilization and the supply of nutrients through the plant parts of the rhubarb are then no longer sufficient to provide the plant with comprehensive care. A change of location or the application of fresh substrate must take place in order to continue to produce a good yield
Therefore, when excavating, the following factors should be considered:
distance
The distance to the plant should be 30 to 50 centimeters. The first groundbreaking should ideally be carried out half a meter from the plant.
Width and loosening
Due to the diameter of one meter, excavating the plant is comparatively complex. By loosening the soil, the substrate and thus also the weight can be removed in a gentle way. It should be ensured that only thin layers of the earth are loosened and removed with a rake. Otherwise the roots could be injured.
depth
As a rule of thumb, two and a half lengths of spade should be excavated. A depth of 70 to 80 centimeters is even better. Due to this depth, a large part of the roots is preserved and the plant can regenerate quickly and sprout new roots without any problems.
Tip: After digging up the rhubarb, the severed root ends should be allowed to air dry for a few hours. This will reduce the risk of mold and rot.
Prepare the planting hole
Whether to put the rhubarb in a new location or
1. step
Depth and circumference: In order to give the plant enough space, the planting hole must be at least 70 centimeters deep and should have a diameter of 60 to 100 centimeters. A total of one square meter of space should be available for the rhubarb. This is necessary because of the length and dimensions of the stalks and leaves.
2. step
Fresh substrate and organic fertilizers make a decisive contribution to the supply of nutrients and the health of the crop. Fresh soil enriched with compost should therefore cover the bottom of the planting hole. After the fresh substrate has been moistened and the plant has set in, the entire planting hole should also be filled with it.
3. step
The earth should be filled in in narrow layers and compacted again and again. In this way, the roots are spared and the plant is supported. Parts of plants and remains of rhubarb can also be incorporated into the upper layers. These serve as long-term organic fertilizers.
The effort involved in moving the rhubarb may seem large at first, but it is only necessary every seven to ten years. The better the plant is fertilized and the soil is cared for, the less often it is necessary to transplant.