Rhubarb

Plant family

Knotweed family (Polygonaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

65 cm

Row spacing

90 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm

Instructions

Mid of June

Picking

Every week

Description

Rhubarb is a perennial, cold-resistant knotweed with bushy growth. From the second to third year, the stalks should traditionally be harvested by St. John's Day (June 24). This is due to the increase in oxalic acid content from June onwards, which is unhealthy in larger concentrations. The plant continues to grow through the summer so that it can regenerate its stores for a vigorous shoot next spring. Varieties differ in flesh color (red, green).

Growing tips

Medium-textured, deep, well-watered soils are best for this bushy, herbaceous plant. Rhubarb sprouts from root rhizomes in early spring. For propagation, individual root rhizomes are cut off and replanted. When the first flower sprouts appear, you should remove them to encourage vegetative growth. Remove stems from the root neck. Rhubarb can be harvested for 6-7 years, after which you should take a growing break of 6-7 years.