Here’s how to grow rhubarb from seeds.
Can You Grow Rhubarb From Seed?
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Yes, you’ve got the option to grow rhubarb from seed.
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Seeds started in zone 9 are grown as an annual crop with a single harvest from March to May.
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How to Plant Rhubarb Seeds
Seeds started indoors germinate best between 68F and 74F.
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For direct sowing into the garden, wait until soil temperatures reach between 60F and 70F.
Soak seeds in warm water for several hours before planting.
In the garden, choose a spot that receives six hours of sun exposure daily.
Rhubarb needs well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
In southern climates, provide afternoon shade.
Work a good amount ofaged compostinto the planting bed.
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and three feet apart in rows five feet apart.
Cover with soil and water thoroughly.
To germinate in flats use a 50-50 mix of compost and potting soil.
Plant one or two seeds per cell, 1/2 inch deep, cover, and water thoroughly.
Place flats in a warm location that receives plenty of indirect light.
To grow rhubarb in pots, you’ll need 10-gallon containers.
Plants grow to four feet tall, requiring lots of space.
Choose a container with plenty of drainage holes.
Rhubarb Seedling Care
Water the seedlings when the soil gets dry on top.
Soggy soil causes dampening off.
In zones with short growing seasons, try solarizing to raise soil temperature.
In hotter climates add a layer of mulch to keep soil cool.
Do not fertilize the first year.
Compacted soil can be amended with manure or aged compost in subsequent years.
Harvest Rhubarb
Annual rhubarb grown from seed isharvested between March and May.
Stalks are usually smaller and seldom develop the pink to red hues of perennial rhubarb.
Harvest by pulling and twisting the stalk off at the base.
Do not cut rhubarb which can damage the crown.
Remove leaves which are toxic.
Ideal conditions for growing rhubarb include 500 hours of winter temperatures between 28F and 40F.
Plants break dormancy above 40F and begin to die back once temperatures reach 75F.
Consider these planting dates a general rule of thumb.
You’ll be able to plant earlier and squeeze extra time into your growing season.
No, rhubarb seeds do not requirecold stratification.
Are Rhubarb Leaves Toxic?Oregon State Extension Service.
Growing Rhubarb in the Home Garden.
Ohio State University Extension.
