To grow rhubarb successfully, follow these key steps:

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

• Choose an open, sunny site with fertile, moist but well-draining soil. Rhubarb can tolerate light shade but avoid waterlogged ground to prevent root rot

• If your soil is heavy or poorly draining, consider planting rhubarb in raised beds or large containers with good drainage

• Enrich the soil by digging in well-rotted manure or compost before planting to improve fertility and moisture retention

Planting

• Rhubarb is commonly grown from crowns (dormant root divisions) rather than seed, as crowns establish faster and produce more uniform plants

• Plant crowns in late autumn or early spring, spacing them about 75–90 cm (30–36 in) apart to allow room for growth

• When planting, position the crown so the growing tip is just above the soil surface. Firm the soil around the roots and water well

• If growing from seed, sow indoors or outdoors in early spring, thinning seedlings as they grow, but note seed-grown plants take longer to establish

Care and Maintenance

• Water young plants regularly, especially during their first growing season and dry periods. Established plants need watering only during prolonged dry spells or if grown in containers

• Mulch annually in autumn with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil fertility

• Remove flower stalks as they appear to direct energy into leaf stalk growth, which improves yield

• Fertilize in spring or summer with a general-purpose fertilizer or well-rotted manure to encourage strong growth

Harvesting and Forcing

• Harvest rhubarb by gently twisting and pulling whole stalks from the base once they reach a good size, usually from the second year onward

• For earlier, sweeter stalks, rhubarb can be forced by covering crowns in early winter to exclude light, encouraging tender stems after about five weeks

• Avoid forcing the same plant in consecutive years to prevent weakening the crown

Longevity and Division

• Rhubarb plants can remain productive for about 10 years. When growth slows or stalks thin, divide the clumps in early spring by lifting the crown and separating sections with at least one bud and good roots

By following these guidelines-selecting a good site, planting crowns properly, maintaining soil fertility and moisture, and managing harvest and forcing-you can grow healthy, productive rhubarb plants in your garden or containers