Rhubarb. Secrets of growing an overseas guest
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Our region is famous for its abundant harvest of vegetables and fruits. But they cannot be compared with the abundance of overseas delicacies. But do not despair, and in our country you can find exotic roots and fruits. Rhubarb is such an exotic thing in Russian beds. In Russia, this outlandish culture appeared only half a century ago and was immediately widely recognized by our compatriots. Rhubarb can be called a direct competitor to our local vegetables and fruits. This crop ripens very early, so growing rhubarb is very popular among gardeners.
Rhubarb is a very close relative of the buckwheat family. It is a perennial and cold-resistant plant. Rhubarb grows quietly on this bed for five or more years, does not require transplants. Rhubarb root is very strong and branched, going deep into the soil by about two meters. In a powerful rhizome, rhubarb stores nutrients, and therefore, as soon as the snow cover melts, it actively begins to grow. Rhubarb leaves are very much like a rosette. The stems have reddish veins, and the small flowers are gathered in panicles.
Growing rhubarb: how to plant?
Rhubarb is very fond of moist, fertile soil. The most common breeding methods for rhubarb are root division or seedlings. It should be borne in mind that the plant grown from the root is sweeter, juicy and fleshy, it is taken much faster than seedlings. For planting, I always choose very strong and healthy bushes. The petioles should be thick, free from signs of disease and fungi. Then I carefully cut the rhizome with a very sharp knife, being careful not to damage the roots. The separated parts of the rhizome must be dried in the sun. Drying helps the wounds to heal, this measure will protect the rhubarb from decay. Rhubarb should be planted in September when cool days come. Do not forget that this culture loves shaded areas. If you put it in the sun, it will simply burn out. We dig a deep hole about 50 - 60 cm deep. We put black soil in it, spill it well with hot water, this will kill all pests that live in the ground and during the winter period can cause irreparable damage to the plant. We lower the rhizome into the hole, fill it with earth, after planting, I advise you to thoroughly water the soil.
Growing rhubarb and outdoor care
The rules for caring for rhubarb are obscenely simple. Around the beginning of May, rhubarb begins to sprout. These flowering stems must be removed without fail, as they take all the strength from the leaves. I usually do this procedure several times a season. Be careful, the peduncle must be removed to the base, if you leave small stumps, they will significantly complicate the development of the root system.
