Can Rhubarb Grow in Containers?

My main squeeze loves rhubarb. As a little boy, his Grandmother would give him a fresh stalk dipped in sugar as a treat. He became a fan of the tart veggie and really loves it in dessert form. We recently visited Shapiro’s Delicatessen in Indianapolis and he was thrilled to discover that they offered Rhubarb Pie (with no distractions like Strawberries). He shared a bite with me and I enjoyed it, too. I was inspired to buy him a few starts to plant in his yard and he wondered if he couldn’t plant them in a container. Knowing how immense the plants can get, I was hesitant but have done my research and indeed, it can be done. Follow these simple tips on how to grow rhubarb in containers.

The Skinny on Rhubarb.

Rhubarb (Rheum x cultorum) is a cool weather perennial that can grow to great sizes and produce for nearly a decade. It boasts stalks in pink, red or greenish-pink that are reminiscent of celery.  A few things to consider before jumping into the process: First, your plant will get big and will need a big container with great drainage. 10 gallons is a good size but at the minimum, 20 inches deep and wide. I’m really digging (see what I did there?) this gorgeous planter from Vego Gardens.  You will also need quality soil like Fox Farm’s Happy Frog that is lightweight and well-draining.  As your plant grows and needs more nourishment, consider top-dressing with some compost. You will want to plant your rhubarb in early spring. The easiest to source are “crowns” sold at big box stores or online. “Glaskin’s Perpetual Rhubarb” from Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company is a great choice. It is fast-growing and reliable with noted high-yields. It also purports to cook nicely and never become bitter. Fill your container with soil. Make a hole about 3 inches deep and set your crown into the hole. Backfill the soil to cover and place your container in a location that gets full sun ( it will tolerate some shade but sunny is best). Water your container well.

Caring for your Container

Whether in the garden or in a container, rhubarb is a cinch to care for. Water your plant often, especially during hot weather so it doesn’t dry out. Here’s the tough part: you have to be patient with rhubarb and let the plant mature before you start harvesting it. It’ll take a full year. In the interim, snip off any flowers that grow to focus the plant’s energy on creating stalks. In the fall, when the leaves dieback,  you can trim off the older stalks. Rhubarb likes to feel the chill of winter, so don’t mulch or cover the crown. just let it be and your plant should happily revive in the spring.

Pro Tips:

1. We love that rhubarb stalks make a tasty treat, but WARNING! the leaves are VERY toxic to people and pets.
2. To encourage prolific stalk growth, divide your rhubarb once every five years.