Marianne's Response

How to Care for Rhubarb

1) My rhubarb is in a container for 3+ years. It always grows. The stalks are thin and long. If I do get thick stalks, they never get to 13 inches. Am I harvesting too soon? I gave up and watered but did not try to harvest. Now I have thick long stalks but they have been growing for almost 3 months. Is there a point where the rhubarb is too “old” and should not be harvested, or eaten? 2) I’m hoping to build a slightly raised bed and move the rhubarb. When should I move it and when should I put compost on it? 3) If I move it, do I have to start over and not harvest any the first year?

Vickie

Posted by vickie ward on August 29, 2017

Marianne's Response

You can harvest your rhubarb at any size but the more tender stalks are about 12 inches long and harvested in the spring. After that let the plant grow all summer. The summer foliage will die in the fall and new growth for another spring of harvest will emerge. You can transplant rhubarb in early spring before the leaves emerge is best but this is a tough plant so go ahead and transplant it when your new raised bed is ready. You can apply the compost or manure any time of year but early spring when the new leaves emerge is best. I see rhubarb pies in your future. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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