Advice on where to get good CHEAP! Rhubarb Crowns?

[the_snail]

Hello!

Hope your allotments are doing better than mine! Gave up on growing late stuff (apart from trying some late beans/Radish and khol Rabi, spring cabage, winter onions maybe some garlic planted in late september) Ok I take it back, not quite given up yet.

I am planning on planting some Rhubarb on my plot this year and I would like to know where I could get some cheap (as I am not the Jackpot winner of the EURO millions lotto) Rhubarb crowns from please? First time I have grown rubarb from a fresh. I have 1 crown on the plot but it dont grow that good, I think it is virus infected or old. (Or it might be the creasote that got spilt on it as it is growing by my shed ::))

Thanks In Advacne :)

The_Sexy_Slug

[the_snail]

[undercarriage plan]

My turn!!! My Dad said I was mad to do this but...I grew my rhubarb from seed!! In first season had rhubarb coming out of my ears, and it's lovely stuff!! Lottie ;D

[the_snail]

Might try that!

[Derekthefox]

I guess I have been plain lucky then. There are always people here on our site splitting crowns in the autumn, so word is just put round and the stuff appears. Also, my lottie neighbour has about 100 or so crowns and doesnt even eat it. He used to sell it off cheaply as a means of covering his seed costs, but it means I normally have a good supply. It is an early variety too, he has even picked stalks in February ! ! ! It has been invaluable this year for providing the material for the wine.  :D

[supernan]

 ;D This is very cheap.

1)  Dig up your old crown.
2)  Move rhubarb to a new site.
3)  Split old crown up keeping a bud on each piece and chucking all yukky diseased looking bits.
4)  Get loads of well rotted compost and dig well in to new site.
5)  Bung in bits from the old plant.

Hey presto more rhubarb.

[wardy]

They were splitting rhubarb crowns on telly last night as they were at the growers in Wakefield.  They divided it up with an lawn edging tool.  You can see the bulbous bit quite clearly and that's the bit you need. 

[Looby Loo]

I know it's not as cheap as free, but I picked up a pot from my local nursery in the Spring and split it into 2.  It's looking good and I think I might be able to split it again soon.  Not bad for £2!

When is the best time to split rhubarb?

[supernan]

AW Looby Loo what a great pic of your doggie!!! Is is a springer or cocker?

Watched the same programme as Wardy. A good one from GW team I thought. I think they said the crowns had been out in the field over a year, because they had seeds on them. Probably to allow the root bit to get lots of energy as they do not feed or even put any soil in when they force the roots. They do not pick any rhubarb for two years so I think the plants are just left for that amount of time before digging and splitting.

I would feel you would be ok if the plant is healthy and you are planting into very well prepared soil. But I was always taught that rhubarb does need to be left undisturbed and not picked for at least a year to allow the crown to develop. Perhaps you could try one plant. Not sure when you can split, as I am going back to what my Dad did when I was a nipper XX years ago.

If you leave the plant, you can do your own forced rhubarb by putting a large terracotta pot over the crown, best if filled with loose straw. Cover the hole with a brick so no light gets in. Have a peek about February. You should have some shoots.

[BAGGY]

One corner of my Rhubarb rown has died off.  Do you think i could get away with splitting and replacing it in the same place?  I dont know when it was last split so it could have just exhasted itself rather than caught something  ?  Does that sound feesable ?

[jennym]

I'd just give it a good feed of muck this autumn, and not bother about splitting it and replacing. It will probably grow to fill out if you feed it well.

[djc1allottment]

I bought a packet of rhubarb seeds off ebay for 99p in February, sowed them, and have just planted 22 rhubarb plants on my allotment.  I know you shouldn't pick them for another year, but its cheap!