Understanding the Rhubarb Growing Season
The rhubarb growing season is generally considered to begin in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked and extends through autumn. However, the plant requires a period of establishment and dormancy before it is ready for significant harvesting. For most gardeners, the primary harvest window opens in the second year after planting. This period sees the plant putting forth strong, edible stalks that are perfect for culinary use. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on your local climate and the specific variety of rhubarb you are cultivating, but the general pattern remains consistent.
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial, meaning it lives for many years and regrows annually. Its life cycle is dictated by temperature and light. As temperatures rise in spring, the plant emerges from its winter dormancy, sending up new shoots. This initial growth spurt is vital. While you might be tempted to harvest early, allowing the plant to mature in its first full year ensures a more robust and productive plant in subsequent seasons. This establishment phase is critical, much like ensuring a strong foundation for a strawberry plant or a blueberry bush before expecting fruit.
The peak rhubarb growing season for harvesting typically runs from April or May through to June or July in many parts of the UK. During this time, the stalks are tender, flavourful, and abundant. It is important not to over-harvest. A good rule of thumb is to only take about half to two-thirds of the available stalks from an established plant, leaving the rest to help nourish the root system for the following year and for winter dormancy. Harvesting too much can weaken the plant. For instance, if you were growing strawberries in pots, you would carefully manage picking to ensure continued fruiting.
- Rhubarb growing season starts in early spring.
- Main harvest is in the second year after planting.
- Peak harvesting is typically April to July.
- Avoid over-harvesting to protect plant health.
When to Plant Rhubarb for Optimal Growth
The ideal time to plant rhubarb crowns (the dormant root and bud system) is either in early autumn or early spring. Autumn planting allows the roots to establish themselves over winter, benefiting from the moist soil and cooler temperatures, preparing them for a strong start come spring. Spring planting is also effective, especially if your soil is very wet in autumn. Ensure you choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Adequate space is also key, as rhubarb plants can grow quite large, often reaching a metre or more in width. This is comparable to the space needed for a mature blueberry fruit bush.
Rhubarb Varieties and Their Growing Habits
While the general growing season applies to most rhubarb, different varieties can have slightly different characteristics. Some varieties are known for producing earlier or later in the season. For example, 'Timperley Early' is renowned for its early cropping, often providing edible stalks sooner than other types. 'Victoria' is a classic, reliable variety that crops well throughout the main season. 'Glaskin's Perpetual' is another that, as its name suggests, can offer a longer cropping period if managed carefully, though it still benefits from a rest period. Understanding your chosen variety can help you fine-tune your expectations for its growing season and harvest timing.
Harvesting Your Rhubarb Crop
Harvesting your rhubarb is a rewarding part of the growing season. Once your plant is at least two years old and has produced a good flush of growth in spring, you can begin to harvest. Look for stalks that are about 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) long and have developed a good colour. They should feel firm and plump. To harvest, grasp a stalk near its base and pull it upwards with a gentle, twisting motion. Avoid cutting the stalks unless absolutely necessary, as this can leave stumps that may rot and affect the plant's health. This careful approach is similar to how one might consider pruning grape vines or pruning raspberries to encourage healthy growth.
It is crucial to stop harvesting by midsummer, typically by the end of July, for most varieties. This rest period allows the plant to store energy in its roots for the following year's growth and to prepare for winter dormancy. Continuing to harvest into late summer or autumn can significantly weaken the plant, leading to poor yields or even the death of the plant over winter. Think of it as giving the plant time to recover and build strength, much like a strawberry plant needs time to replenish after a heavy fruiting period.
Ensure you remove any flower stalks that appear during the growing season. These divert the plant's energy away from producing edible leaf stalks and can weaken it. Simply snap or cut them off at the base as soon as you notice them.
Signs Your Rhubarb is Ready for Harvest
The primary indicator for harvesting is stalk length and thickness. Stalks around 15-30 cm are generally ideal, with a diameter of at least a finger's width. The colour should be vibrant, whether red, pink, or greenish, depending on the variety. Avoid harvesting very thin, spindly stalks, as these are often the first to emerge and are best left to develop further. The plant should look vigorous and well-established before you start picking. If you're in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and leave a few more stalks to mature.
The success of your rhubarb harvest hinges on respecting the plant's natural life cycle and its need for recovery.
What to Do After Harvesting Rhubarb
Once you have finished harvesting for the season, it's good practice to remove any weeds from around the base of the plant, as these compete for nutrients and water. You can also apply a layer of well-rotted compost or manure around the plant. This provides essential nutrients and helps to retain moisture in the soil, supporting the plant's recovery and preparation for the next growing season. Ensure the plant is well-watered, especially during dry spells, even though active harvesting has ceased. This post-harvest care is fundamental to ensuring the rhubarb growing season next year is just as productive, if not more so.
Extending the Rhubarb Growing Season (and Enjoyment)
While the natural rhubarb growing season has defined limits, there are methods gardeners use to extend the period over which they can enjoy this versatile plant. One common technique is 'forcing' rhubarb. This involves covering the plant, usually in late winter, with a special rhubarb forcer (a terracotta pot or bucket) and covering it with straw or manure to create a dark, warm environment. This encourages the plant to produce etiolated (pale and tender) stalks much earlier, often from January or February, significantly extending the harvest window. This method requires careful management to avoid damaging the plant.
Another aspect of extending enjoyment is proper storage and preservation. Freshly harvested rhubarb can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or two. For longer storage, it freezes exceptionally well. Simply wash, trim, and chop the stalks into desired lengths, then pack them into freezer bags or containers. It's often not necessary to blanch rhubarb before freezing, though some prefer to do so. Frozen rhubarb is perfect for use in pies, crumbles, jams, and sauces throughout the year, meaning the flavour of your harvest can be enjoyed long after the natural growing season has ended. This is a common practice for many garden fruits and vegetables, from blueberries to strawberries.
Rhubarb Care Throughout the Year
Consistent care throughout the year underpins a successful rhubarb growing season. In spring, remove any dead foliage from winter, loosen the soil surface, and apply a balanced fertiliser or well-rotted manure. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and keep on top of weeding. As mentioned, watch for flower stalks and remove them. After the main harvest season has concluded, a top dressing of compost will benefit the plant. In autumn, you can cut back the remaining leaves once they have yellowed, although leaving them can provide some winter protection for the crown. Dividing established rhubarb plants every few years (usually in spring or autumn) can also help rejuvenate them and increase your yield, much like propagating other perennial plants.
When dividing rhubarb, ensure each piece has at least one good bud and plenty of root. This significantly increases the chances of successful establishment for new plants.
Potential Issues and Solutions
Rhubarb is generally a robust plant, but it can encounter issues. Slugs and snails can be a problem, especially for young shoots emerging in spring. Using barriers, traps, or appropriate organic pest control methods can help. Fungal diseases like leaf spot can occur, particularly in wet conditions. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants and prompt removal of affected leaves can help manage this. Over-harvesting is perhaps the most common self-inflicted problem, severely impacting future yields. By respecting the plant's needs and understanding its growing season, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure a bountiful harvest year after year.