Rhubarb help needed

[soph696]

Hi EVERYONE

I've just noticed my rhubarb is coming through. I was given them in there dorment period and have never grown before. What should I do now?

Also lost my plot due to owner moving!!! Are they ok in containers?

Thanks
Sophie

[Nicos]

Smile!!!...stand back and watch it grow!!!

How old is it? you don't really want to take any until at least 2 yrs old!

[leicestershirelass]

there's some useful info on this website

BBC - Gardening - Gardening Guides - Techniques - Growing rhubarb

there are so many things you can do with rhubarb .. hope you enjoy your crop

[stella]

If it the first year of growth it is best not to pick any this year as it needs some time to get a bit bigger and stronger. Make sure it gets enough water later in the year (when it can get dry) and give it a good feed.

[Jeanied]

I was going to say smile too! (My theme for today!) Mine is poking its head up too. I will be giving it a top dress of some compost soon, it will enjoy that. And I'll be making sure that I pull off any flower spikes later in the season if they show up. Apart from that, nothing to add to the advice above.

[soph696]

Hi THanks everyone!!!

I have lost my plot due to the owner moving. Can I grow these rhubarb now in containers? also what do they like to eat.

Thanks AGAIN

[Brengirl]

I too was amazed to see the rosy red crowns emerging. Thank goodness something has survived.

[sarraceniac]

As well as a good organic compost and manure, whilst it is establishing, rhubarb is very fond of tomato food.

[lettucegrow!]

It's really encouraging to see something struggling through. I was just going to say just watch it grow! I haven't ever fed my rhubarb and it's given a lovely show. Maybe this year as it's survived such a grueller of a winter!

[Patsy]

I've got loads of rhubarb plants but the best growing one of all is a root I dug up (it was in the wrong place) dumped at the side of the compost bin meaning to do something with it and then forgot about it. It's sitting proud of the earth and chucks up more stalks each year than the other roots properly planted in the ground. I think it will grow just about anywhere so it's worth trying it in a container, just don't bury it too deep.

[soph696]

how far down to do you recomend I plant it? thanks

[nerobot]

Is rhubarb expected to be coming up already? Mine shows no sign of coming up yet, but then I am a lot further north than most of you It will be it's second year, so can't wait to see that it has survived the winter (though I'm sure it will be fine).

Steven

[Nicos]

how far down to do you recomend I plant it? thanks

Keep the crown above soil level. Crown rot is about the only way of killing off rhubarb!!!!
I dug up some a few years ago for someone and forgot all about it- I had chucked it in a bucket with the bit of soil I'd dug it up with...and it lasted like that for over a year before I finally planted it out again!!!

Having said that , I've managed to kill off 3 clumps i brought over ( think it was slugs and planted too deeply- or maybe too rich manure???), but the one I gave away has gown really well- so it wasn't the way I'd kept them!

[sarraceniac]

Is rhubarb expected to be coming up already? Mine shows no sign of coming up yet, but then I am a lot further north than most of you It will be it's second year, so can't wait to see that it has survived the winter (though I'm sure it will be fine).

Steven

Don't worry. Depends on the variety as well. 2 of mine are springing up but the other (late) crown is still asleep.

[reetnproper]

I spotted mine (3yr old this year) just peeking out, on Sunday. OH thought we'd lost it but thankfully it's survived.

Being a rhubarb novice can I ask:

1) Can you split them?
2) If yes, when is the best time?

Thanks
Reet
xx