How To Grow Rhubarb In Containers Gardener’s Path Growing Rhubarb, Container Gardening

Cover How to Grow Rhubarb An Easy Edible Perennial for Your Garden Growing rhubarb, Rhubarb plants (735x1102)

Table of Contents

1. When is the best time to harvest rhubarb?
2. How do you cut rhubarb?
3. What is the proper way to store rhubarb?
4. How do you know when rhubarb is ready to be harvested?
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when harvesting rhubarb?

1. When is the best time to harvest rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a cool season vegetable that grows best in climates with mild summers and cold winters. The ideal time to harvest rhubarb is in the late spring or early summer when the stalks are firm and crisp. The first year after planting, rhubarb should not be harvested to allow the plant to establish itself. In subsequent years, rhubarb can be harvested from mid-April to early June.

It’s important to note that once the weather turns warm, rhubarb stalks become stringy and tough, making them difficult to use in cooking. It’s best to avoid harvesting rhubarb during hot weather to ensure that the stalks remain tender and flavorful.

2. How do you cut rhubarb?

To harvest rhubarb, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by selecting the largest stalks of rhubarb, which will be the most mature and flavorful. Grab the stalk at the base and gently pull it away from the crown of the plant. Use your knife to cut the stalk as close to the base as possible without damaging the crown.

It’s important to only cut the stalks of the rhubarb plant, as the leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Make sure to discard the leaves and any damaged or discolored stalks.

3. What is the proper way to store rhubarb?

Rhubarb is best stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or covered container. However, it’s important to note that rhubarb is a perishable vegetable and should be used within a few days of harvesting to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

If you have a large quantity of rhubarb and don’t plan to use it all at once, it can be frozen for later use. To freeze rhubarb, wash and cut the stalks into small pieces and blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain the rhubarb and place it in freezer-safe containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen rhubarb can be stored for up to 6 months.

4. How do you know when rhubarb is ready to be harvested?

When rhubarb is ready to be harvested, the stalks will be firm and crisp, with a bright red or green color depending on the variety. To test if the rhubarb is ready to be harvested, gently pull on a stalk. If it comes away easily from the crown of the plant, it’s ready to be harvested.

If the stalks are still small and thin, it’s best to leave them on the plant for a few more weeks to allow them to grow larger and more flavorful. It’s important to avoid overharvesting rhubarb, as this can weaken the plant and reduce future yields.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when harvesting rhubarb?

One common mistake when harvesting rhubarb is overharvesting the plant. It’s important to leave a few stalks on the plant to allow it to continue to grow and produce more stalks in the future.

Another mistake is harvesting rhubarb during hot weather, when the stalks are tough and stringy. It’s best to wait until the weather cools down to ensure that the stalks remain tender and flavorful.

Finally, it’s important to only cut the stalks of the rhubarb plant, as the leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Conclusion

Harvesting rhubarb can be a rewarding experience for any gardener, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure maximum flavor and yield. By following these 5 tips for harvesting rhubarb, you can enjoy this delicious and versatile vegetable throughout the growing season.