Secrets of growing rhubarb in the garden

Rhubarb: a description of the culture

Rhubarb was planted in the first century AD. Even then, people noted its unusual taste and the benefits of this plant. However, at present, rhubarb is not often found in orchards and vegetable gardens, and this is in vain.

Rhubarb is a perennial plant of the buckwheat family. The culture has large and fleshy stems, which contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. The beneficial properties of rhubarb are not inferior to apples.

While the seedlings of other vegetables are just beginning to be planted in the beds, the juicy stems and leaves of rhubarb can already be eaten. A perennial can grow in one place for about 15 years. In addition, it is a completely unpretentious plant, so it can be planted both in the sun and in the shade, and rhubarb also grows well under trees.

Rhubarb: a vegetative way of reproduction

The culture reproduces well by the vegetative method. This is good because it allows you to harvest earlier. In order to plant rhubarb in this way, it is necessary at the beginning of spring to carefully dig out the root of an adult plant and, using a knife, cut off part of the root. Plants that are too old are not suitable for reproduction, since young plants will age prematurely. After the rhubarb root has been cut off, it should be buried in a previously prepared hole. Planting depth should not be more than 3 cm.

Propagation of rhubarb by seeds

Also, rhubarb is propagated by seeds. But if you grow rhubarb using seeds, then the first harvest should be removed no earlier than 3 years later, since the plants should take root and get stronger. Here, the vegetative propagation method clearly wins, since the harvest from such bushes can be removed the next year. You can sow rhubarb immediately after the snow melts. In addition, you can sow seeds even for the winter. It is better to sow this crop in several pieces, because the seeds have poor germination. When the sprouts sprout, all that remains is to thin out the seedlings, keeping the distance between the seedlings about 20 cm.

The grown bushes are planted in the place chosen and prepared for them in September. Plants must be planted in a permanent place, keeping a distance of about a meter around each, since rhubarb has a powerful root system. Before planting a grown bush, you should carefully prepare the soil and apply the necessary fertilizers: compost, humus, as well as mineral fertilizers and ash.

Rhubarb seedlings can also be grown at home. And the grown seedlings should be transferred and planted in the garden when you visit the cottage for the first time after winter. Approximately in April or May. Rhubarb seeds take about 3 weeks to germinate, so they need to be sown in February. To improve the germination of seeds, it is necessary to leave them in a solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour, and then wrap them in a cloth soaked in a solution of trace elements. It is better to plant swollen seeds in separate pots, since the roots can be damaged when planted in the ground.

Rhubarb: outdoor care

After the snow has melted, the rhubarb must be fed with organic fertilizer. Further, after about 2 months, it is necessary to add a complex of mineral fertilizers under the bush. And at the end of September, the soil where rhubarb is planted must be mulched with a thick layer. As a mulch for growing rhubarb, compost or humus is perfect. You can also insulate the ground with straw or fallen leaves before wintering. This procedure will help the plant to transfer frosty winters.

The plant is very fond of water. With sufficient watering, the leaves and stems of rhubarb will be very juicy and fleshy. However, you should not abuse it, since with a strong waterlogging of the soil, the roots of rhubarb can rot.