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Rhubarb - big leaves, small stalks

Posted: Tue 29-Mar-2022, 18:23
by Trixi Agrios
I just finished watching the recording and presentation on herbaceous perennials by Jack, which was excellent. I stared with envy at the beautiful red rhubarb stalks and I’d like to know how to grow rhubarb like Jack. I have old rhubarb plants and they spread and send up new crowns regularly but the heavy producers are the big plants in the patch. Unfortunately they grow huge leaves and shorter green stalks each year. They are delicious and we get enough to make pies all summer and fill the freezer but I’d really like to grow tall red stems instead.
Any advice?
Thank you

Re: Rhubarb - big leaves, small stalks

Posted: Wed 30-Mar-2022, 10:31
by Danoost
I knew a farmer who dumped a wheel barrow load of manure from his calf pens right on top of the plants every fall and he grew massive rhubarb. Do the same, they're heavy feeders. Use a compost that contains 50% woodchips.

Re: Rhubarb - big leaves, small stalks

Posted: Wed 30-Mar-2022, 20:01
by Trixi Agrios
Thanks so much Dan. I’ll feed them.