Rhubarb is a perennial plant that thrives in full-sun and moderately well-drained conditions. It requires temperatures below 40-F to stimulate spring growth. Rhubarb plants can continue producing up to 15 years.
When planting rhubarb, space the roots 36 inches apart. The hole should be dug extra large; manure or peat moss should be mixed with the soil to be placed around the roots. Firm the soil, water the crowns, and work in a 1/4 cup of fertilizer into the top of the soil.
Rhubarb should not be picked the first year as the leaves help nourish the roots for the next years growth. A light picking is permitted the second year with a full harvest starting the third year.
After the first hard frost each fall, remove remaining leaves from the rhubarb plant. Then spread a 2-3” layer of compost over the plant to prevent winter winds from drying out the roots.
