hi gang whent mad in wilko's this arvo and got some canadian red rubarb. now on the packet it says not to plant till march? do i stick it in a large pot or just leave it in the bag. im a total novise by the way and this is my 1st year with a lottie also will it branch out as i only got two roots?
I think it will be better potted up than in the bag. Once out in the ground it will bulk up. Perhaps in "Canada" the ground would be frozen!! ;D
You can divide rhubarb anytime from November until early March. Cultivate the soil deeply, adding plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure. Drainage is important and as the crop will be there for a number of years, eradicate all perennial weeds prior to planting. Plant the crown with the growing point at, or just below, the soil surface. On wetter soils plant the bud just above the soil to prevent rotting. Space plants 1m (3ft) apart, with 1-1.8m (3-6ft) between rows.
although this info is for dividing i see no harm coming to the crown if planted out now.
Ensure you do not pick a harvest from this first years crop. Two years would be better but certainly leave it alone for 2009 once planted. It will let the plant establish itself and become more stable to produce a greater yield in future years. It certainly pays dividends to leave the first year after planting ;)
yeah i red that some where. i intend to put both plants in a 3x5 raised bed im not to keen on the stuff personaly but the missu's loves it so two plants should suffice for her crumblies i suppose :D
Quotei intend to put both plants in a 3x5 raised bed im not to keen on the stuff
Personally I would stick it in an out of the way spot rather than give it pride of place, particularly if you don't like it much.
Now that my plants are established they thrive on neglect.
The only time I tend to notice it is when first it emerges each year and when the red stalks appear. Then all I do is pick it.
Simple as that really!!
There is some cultural advice here; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Rhubarb/Rhubarb.htm (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Rhubarb/Rhubarb.htm)
thats exactly what ive done tee gee put right at the bottom of my plot. im planning that area as my soft fruit area. ie guzzgogs and hopefully some blue berries