Rhubarb: A Perennial "Fruit" for Every Garden

Technically a vegetable, rhubarb is used as a fruit in desserts and jams. Attractive and easy to grow, it deserves a spot in every home garden.

About This Plant

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable—plant it where it won't be disturbed. Purchase and plant rhubarb roots (not seeds) in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Three to five plants suffice for an average family.

Site Selection

Select a well-drained site in full sun. Eliminate all perennial weeds before planting.

Planting Instructions

Dig large bushel basket-sized holes and add a mix of equal parts garden soil, sand, and rotted manure or compost. Space roots 4 feet apart. Set roots so buds are 1–2 inches below soil surface, cover, and firm.

Care

Mulch with compost for nutrients and moisture retention. Remove seed stalks as they form. Dig and split roots every 3–4 years—expand your patch or share divisions. A weed-free patch rarely suffers insect or disease issues.

Harvesting

Don't harvest any stalks the first year—let plants establish. If vigorous in year two, take a light crop. By year three, harvest most stalks. To harvest, pull gently to dislodge stalks. Harvest all at once or as needed over 4–6 weeks. Remove and compost leaves—they contain high oxalic acid, toxic in large doses.