Dividing And Transplanting Rhubarb Crowns Without Setback

Instead of planting from seeds, crown divisions are usually the preferred method for propagating rhubarb plants. These act like mini versions of their parent plant and produce faster results than seed-grown varieties.

Start by digging a hole twice the size of the root ball, filling it with loose soil and compost (or well-rotted manure), before planting your rhubarb division in it and firming up its surroundings.

Digging

Before transplanting or purchasing crowns from a nursery, it is essential to prepare the new site properly for rhubarb transplanting. Rhubarb requires full sun and well-draining soil; choose an area with ample organic matter like compost. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as its root ball before enriching it with additional organic matter like compost. Two days prior to moving the plant, deep water the rhubarb to hydrate its roots and ease stress levels.

Once planted, rhubarb can be easily maintained. Regular weeding and mulching help control competition for space while side-dressing with an organic balanced fertilizer will increase yield. Rhubarb plants are susceptible to crown rot so planting in wet or clay soil is best. Also keep an eye out for any signs of disease such as wilting leaves during its growing season – otherwise crown rot could develop! Rhubarb reigns supreme as one of our kitchen garden favorites and with proper care can produce vibrant stalks for years!

Cutting

Rhubarb is an easy and delicious perennial vegetable to cultivate in a cool-season climate, known for its tart stems. Crown and root cutting methods make cultivation convenient, making this garden staple one of the cornerstones of long-term productivity, but regular maintenance to control growth and maximize yield is necessary in order to reap optimal harvests over the years.

Beginners may find the process challenging, but with careful preparation they can expect success rates of over 80%. This includes testing soil pH, adding compost amendments for improved fertility and drainage purposes, as well as making sure their new site receives adequate light.

Tools needed for transplanting rhubarb include a spade or shovel for digging up its parent plant, pruning shears or sharp knife to prune off its crown, gloves to protect your hands, organic mulch such as straw or composted leaves to cover and insulate it during transplanting, water regularly afterward to promote its healthy establishment.

Transplanting

Rhubarb can be planted from either crowns purchased from nurseries or grown from seeds; crowns tend to produce harvestable stems in just one year while seeds typically require two or three years for maturation before production begins.

Prepare a planting site early spring or autumn (before frost) by digging a hole slightly wider than the crown of your rhubarb plant and mixing in an abundance of compost to enrich its soil. Rhubarb thrives best in rich, well-drained soil to avoid root rot issues.

Place the crown of rhubarb into its planting hole, with buds (growth points) approximately one centimetre above ground level. Fill in the remainder of soil gradually while firming it gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the plant and eliminate transplant shock; maintain an appropriate moisture regime by watering deeply more frequently during periods of dry weather to promote strong roots while mulching may help to decrease weeds while conserving moisture.

Aftercare

Rhubarb plants are generally hardy, and will yield harvest even with little to no care, yet extra attention can make a big difference in crop quality. Before planting, work plenty of compost or manure into the planting area before sowing your seedlings, and regularly weed. Light applications of general garden fertilizers in spring as well as side dressing with high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer will promote vigorous growth with larger leaves stalks.

Uncommonly small and spindly rhubarb stalks may be caused by overcrowding of the plant, which can be remedied by digging and dividing older clumps. Flower stalks should be removed immediately as they reduce vigor and inhibit leaf stalk production. Inadequate site conditions, drought or low soil fertility could also contribute to a disappointing harvest.

Replant rhubarb clumps in full sun; partial shade can also work, especially in warmer gardens. New crowns should be planted at their original depth of growth.