Rhubarb Cake
Rhubarb Cobblers/Crisps
Rhubarb Cookies/Breads
Rhubarb Desserts
Rhubarb Drinks
Rhubarb Muffins
Rhubarb Pies
Rhubarb Preserves
Rhubarb Sauces & Misc
Growing Rhubarb
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How to Grow Rhubarb!
By
Terry
Blackburn
Growing Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a vegetable with a unique taste that makes it also a
favourite when cooked with added sugar and put into pies and desserts.
It originated in Asia over 2,000 years ago; initially cultivated for its
medicinal qualities; it was not until the 18th century that rhubarb was
grown for culinary purposes in Britain. Rhubarb is often commonly
mistaken to be a fruit but rhubarb is actually a close relative of
garden sorrel, and is therefore a member of the vegetable family.
Rhubarb is rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Rhubarb leaves grow from
the ground in early spring. In some countries, the leaves can grow up to
a foot or more in width and length and the plant may grow to a height of
several feet. The blade or green leaves of the plant are the part that
is poisonous. They contain high concentrations of oxalic acid crystals,
which can cause serious problems when eaten. These crystals can cause
the tongue and throat to swell, preventing breathing. The edible
petioles (stalks) can grow up to 18 in. (45cm) long, 1 to 2 in.
(25mm-50mm) in diameter, generally somewhat hemispherical in cross
section. These petioles are cut and used in pies, jams, jellies, sauces
and juice. Rhubarb rhizomes and the crown persist for many years.
Sowing
While seeds can be sown, rhubarb is usually planted in roots or crown
form.
Planting
A piece of root with at least one bud or root is planted with the crown
just at soil level. Plant outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked.
Rhubarb is hardy and will survive late spring frosts. If there is a
really hard frost, the leaves and stalk could be damaged, but new ones
will soon replace those that are damaged.
Space two or three crowns of Rhubarb two to three feet apart and they
will spread. Rhubarb tolerates a little crowding, but the stalks and
leaves will grow bigger and healthier if you allow them plenty of space.
A few plants are all you will need for a home garden.
Days to Maturity It is important to allow the plant to become well
established before you begin to harvest the sticks; there they should
not be taken until their second or third year after planting. Rhubarb
can be picked in the spring as soon as the stalks are large enough to
harvest in sufficient quantity for the recipe you are planning to use.
Soil Preparation
Before planting, select a location where they will not be disturbed for
years and where they will not be in the way when tilling your garden in
future years. Rhubarb can be planted in partial shade, but will do much
better in full sun.
General Care
Being easy to grow, Rhubarb will thrive in most garden soils. But to
ensure that better tasting, larger cropping should be your rewards; you
must add plenty of manure and compost to the soil each year. Use a
liquid feed during the growing season at two-week intervals for
well-established plants, to promote leaf and stalk growth. Make sure
ample water is in the soil during the harvest period. After harvest,
don't forget to provide water to keep your plants healthy all year long.
Healthy Rhubarb will grow and spread. Separate or thin the plants every
five years or sooner if the plants become crowded.
Disease Rhubarb is long lived and suffers from very few diseases.
Harvesting
The stalks can be harvested regardless of length. When harvesting, grasp
a stalk firmly close to the ground. Twist and pull the stalk and it
should break free of the plant. While harvesting, pick the largest
stalks first. Don't let them get too big, as some of the flavour will be
lost. Rhubarb stalks will remain sweet and flavoursome until the warm
summer weather begins and the stalks become less sweet.
Forcing
Rhubarb can be forced into growing earlier. While the ground has not
warmed up sufficiently for the plant to really get growing, cover a
couple of plants with a five gallon bucket, preferably black. You can
also use a thick layer of straw or leaf mulch. The plants will begin
growing earlier and you can harvest them days or weeks before you would
normally do.
About the Author:
Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant,
living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and
Producer of blog http://www.lawnsurgeon.blogspot.com Author of "Your
Perfect Lawn," a 90 Page eBook devoted to Lawn Preparation, Lawn Care
and Maintenance. Find it at
http://www.lawnsurgeon.com I would be very interested to have your
comments on this Article.
Article Source:
How to Grow Rhubarb!
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