In praise of rhubarb

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 19

In praise of rhubarb

GARDENING

by

Mike Lusty

It is sad io relate that rhubarb is generally not held in high esteem. Yet

it is available almost the year round and has a wide range of uses as well as good keeping qualities. Apart from its value as compote with or without other ingredients, it can be used for jam and wine making, as flavouring, and in preserves. As there is little interest in investigating the plant as a major commercial proposition, there has been no recent additions to the available varieties.

However, there are some tried and proven species such as Glaskins Perpetual, Crimson and Topps Winter which are so called over bearing, and Royal Albert (early), and Victoria (main crop). Rhubarb is a deep rooted plant, and a gross and responsive feeder. Given good drainage and a soil with plenty of organic matter and or well rotted animal manure (which should be fully incorporated into the ground several weeks before planting), high yields of quality stalks can be expected. This plant also requires ample moisture in order to maintin its vigour and production. Rhubarb is generally raised in crowns or sets, which can be purchased from most nurseries, or obtained from the division of existing plants. It pays to lift and divide these plants every four to five years. Subdividing and transplanting crowns can be done by using a sharp spade to cut the lifted plants into sets, each of which should have one good bud and root attached to it. The sets should be planted so that the crown is just showing above the surface of the soil, and should be well firmed and watered in. Following planting a 2:4:1 fertiliser mixture of IOOg per plant can be sprinkled round each one.

Rhubarb can also be grown from seed but some variation is to be expected. A more uniform

crop is obtained from crowns. Little or no picking should be contemplated in the first year, or at least not until the plants have fully established themselves. Pick just a'few stalks from each plant, choosing from the best of the outer development. Grasp the stalk near the base and pull it down and out so that it comes away from the plant cleanly. The leaves should never be eaten as they are poisonous but they can safely be added to the compost heap. After each of the first three pullings, plants should be given a side dressing of 30g ammon-

ium sulphate each. These applications can be watered in directly, or through a watering can. Rhubarb can be forced by covering the individual plants with straw and a good sized box, a useful method of getting a return during the winter months generally too cold for normal production. Such rhubarb is usually sweeter and more tender. Plants used in winter require a break from harvesting in the ensuing months. Flower heads will arise from time to time and should be promptly removed as they weaken the plants.