Description
Botanical name
Rheum Rhubarbarum
Family
Polygonaceae
Spacing
Plant 1.5 m (5′) apart.
Depth
Plant with the top of the root 2.5-5 cm (1-2″) below the surface of the soil in large bushel-basket-size holes.
Requirements
Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained, rich, loamy soil that is fortified with compost or well-rotted manure. pH between 5-7.
Pests
Mostly fungi, which can be avoided by planting in well-drained soil.
Timing
Plant one-year crowns in early spring as soon as the ground is workable, when the roots are still dormant and before growth begins or plants are just beginning to leaf out. Can also be planted in the fall after dormancy has set in.
Growing
Remove and destroy leaves that have not been harvested before the first heavy frost. Do not over-water, and try to water only the soil, not the leaves.
Harvest
Best to harvest when stalks reach at least 25 cm (10″) long.
Season
Perennial