I would like to know how I can improve the growth of my rhubarb throughout the summer. I know it needs a lot of water; my husband puts 5-10-10 on it in the spring. Years ago, my parents would put horse or cow manure on theirs. Does rhubarb usually have a short life span in the summer? What do you suggest? Thank you, Rochele
Answer
Hi Rochele,
To improve the overall health and vigor of rhubarb, put lots of composted horse or cow manure around the plants just like your parents did. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder and needs lots of nutrients to produce the stalks in the spring. Apply mulch generously around the plants using straw or the manure to keep the soil cool, retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay.
In the spring, just after the last spring frost, apply a light sprinkling of a highnitrogen fertilizer (25-3-3 or 10-6-4) when the ground is thawing or has just thawed. The fertilizer your husband used did not have enough nitrogen in it.
Rhubarb grows best when temperatures are below 75 degrees. During the hot, humid summer rhubarb will slow down its growth until cooler weather returns. Make sure to water your plants during the times when there is no natural rainfall. Good Luck.
Thank you for your question.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
