What To Know
- Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into sections, ensuring each section has at least one bud and sufficient roots.
- Dig up a portion of the rhubarb root in early spring or fall.
- Secure the graft with wax or tape and keep it in a warm, humid environment until the graft has healed.
Rhubarb, a culinary delight and medicinal marvel, can be effortlessly propagated to expand your garden or share its bounty with fellow gardeners. This versatile plant offers multiple propagation methods, each with its own advantages and considerations.
1. Division
Division is the most common and straightforward method of rhubarb propagation. It involves dividing an established rhubarb plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and growing point.
Steps:
1. Dig up the rhubarb plant in early spring or fall.
2. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into sections, ensuring each section has at least one bud and sufficient roots.
3. Replant the divisions immediately in well-drained soil, spacing them 3-4 feet apart.
2. Seed Propagation
While less common, seed propagation can be a rewarding method for those seeking genetic diversity. However, it’s important to note that rhubarb seeds have a low germination rate and may take several years to produce mature plants.
Steps:
1. Collect fresh rhubarb seeds in late summer or early fall.
2. Sow the seeds in a well-drained seedbed in early spring.
3. Keep the seedbed moist and provide partial shade.
4. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location once they have developed true leaves.
3. Root Cuttings
This method involves taking cuttings from the roots of an established rhubarb plant.
Steps:
1. Dig up a portion of the rhubarb root in early spring or fall.
2. Cut the root into 2-3 inch sections, ensuring each section has at least one bud.
3. Plant the cuttings vertically in well-drained soil, leaving the buds exposed.
4. Crown Cuttings
Crown cuttings are taken from the base of an established rhubarb plant.
Steps:
1. Dig up a portion of the rhubarb crown in early spring or fall.
2. Cut the crown into sections, each with at least one bud and sufficient roots.
3. Replant the crown cuttings immediately in well-drained soil.
5. Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a laboratory technique that involves growing rhubarb plants from small pieces of plant tissue. This method is typically used by commercial growers to produce large numbers of plants quickly and efficiently.
Steps:
1. Collect plant tissue from an established rhubarb plant.
2. Culture the tissue in a laboratory under sterile conditions.
3. Once the tissue has grown into small plants, they can be transplanted to the field.
6. Grafting
Grafting is a technique that involves joining two different rhubarb plants together. This method is often used to improve the disease resistance or yield of the grafted plant.
Steps:
1. Choose a rootstock that is resistant to the diseases or pests that commonly affect rhubarb.
2. Graft a scion (cutting) from the desired variety onto the rootstock.
3. Secure the graft with wax or tape and keep it in a warm, humid environment until the graft has healed.
The Best Time to Propagate Rhubarb
The ideal time to propagate rhubarb depends on the method used:
- Division: Early spring or fall
- Seed propagation: Early spring
- Root cuttings: Early spring or fall
- Crown cuttings: Early spring or fall
- Tissue culture: Year-round
- Grafting: Early spring or fall
Tips for Successful Propagation
- Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease transmission.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
- Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect the plants from frost by covering them with a blanket or straw during winter months.
Beyond Propagation: Caring for Your Rhubarb
Once you have successfully propagated your rhubarb, it’s essential to provide proper care to ensure its health and productivity.
- Fertilize: Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the harvest.
- Water: Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Mulch: Mulch around the plants with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide: Divide the plants every 5-7 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor.
- Harvest: Harvest the rhubarb stalks when they are 12-18 inches long. Cut the stalks at the base of the plant, leaving the leaves intact.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I propagate rhubarb from store-bought stalks?
No, store-bought rhubarb stalks do not contain the necessary roots or buds for successful propagation.
2. How long does it take for rhubarb plants to mature?
Rhubarb plants take 2-3 years to reach maturity and produce a significant harvest.
3. Can I propagate rhubarb from seed that I save from my own plants?
Yes, you can save seeds from your own rhubarb plants, but the resulting plants may not be true to type.
4. What is the best way to store rhubarb?
Rhubarb can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Wrap the stalks in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
5. Can I eat rhubarb leaves?
No, rhubarb leaves are poisonous and should not be consumed.
