Rhubarb, what to do with it now?

[Common_Clay]

Hi to everyone,

                    The title says it all really... Timperley Early, it's gone brown with the frosts and wilting. Should I cut it back to the ground and mulch over it or just leave it to get on with it? I've never eaten from it yet as this was the first year but want to get this right so that we can enjoy it early next year. Thanks.  :)

[Common_Clay]

[supersprout]

I'd mulch over it and let the leaves wilt and join the mulch.
Barnsdale had a comment re rhubarb and frost: they said that rhubub needs to feel a good frost to get the idea of sprouting in the spring. So in Feb they dig up the root and let it get well frosted, and replant. As a no-digger, I might pull back the mulch in Feb. Anyone else heard this one?

[Deb P]

I was told to dig up crowns for frosting before splitting/transplanting somewhere else- (which worked very well).

I haven't heard of rhubarb needing this treatment routinely though, ? only if yields are tailing off from an established clump?

[Plum]

I have put well rotted farm manure on mine. I seem to remember I need to leave the crown uncovered , is this true?

[saddad]

I just ignore it, then put some manure round, not on the crown in spring... if there is any left!
;D

[Robert_Brenchley]

I've heard the story about digging rhubarb up to get frosted, and I've always treated it as exactly that; a story. I've got quite a mixture, but the biggest two clumps produce massive, sweet, juicy stems and I think next time I lift any (which is a monumental job!) I;'ll split those and get rid of some of the less successful stuff.

[Garden Manager]

Rhubarb are as tough as old boots (originate from siberia i beleive ???), and need no winter protection, though as hungry plants i am sure they'd still appreciate a good mulching with compost or manure. This will also help preserve moisture around the plant.

What to do now? just pull away the dying leaves and compost them (yes you CAN compost them!). If your plant is geting a bit too big, overcrowded or you need more plants now is  a good time to divide them. Treat as any border perennial and chop up the clump into as many plants as you want, as long as each piece has a some roots and a new growth bud or 'eye'. Replant at same level as before in well enriched soil. Water in well , mulch and leave until spring - but dont pick from the new divisions in the first year and only sparingly in the second, treat like a new plant.

Apart from that you can prety much leave well alone until spring - unless you plan to force, but i cant help you there i am afraid!

Hope this helps

[telboy]

I understand that to lift & frost is done for early forcing?

[Common_Clay]

Thank you very much to everyone who replied to this thread. I think it would probably love a good mulch then.

[teresa]

I let the leaves and stalks die down, ment to feed the crown for the following year. and in spring I dug the hen run out and that went on the rhubarb oh boy did it grow the one at home that is.