Rhubarb grows well in the United States, England, and other countries.It is sometimes referred to as a "pie plant" because of its taste in pies.It's used to make sauces and baked goods.The stalks grow in the spring and provide an abundance of produce.To remain healthy, it needs to be divided every 5 to 6 years.
Step 1: The Rhubarb can be divided in the early spring or late fall.
It is easier to see new growth in early spring, but it is more difficult for the plant.The new divisions may have a harder time taking root.It is easier to see new growth in the late fall.The plant is more likely to recover if you divide it in late winter.You need to do this after the last frost.
Step 2: Choose a fruit that is vigorous and healthy.
The best time to divide a Rhubarb is 4 to 5 years old.That has a lot of growth to work with.If you really want to divide younger Rhubarb, make sure it has a lot of vigorous growth.
Step 3: It's a good idea to avoid Rhubarb that looks sick.
If you divide a sick plant, you won't be able to turn it into a healthy plant.It will grow into a bigger plant.Pick a Rhubarb that looks healthy.
Step 4: Make sure that you have clean gardening tools.
A set of clean spades, shovels, and shears will make your divisions less likely to get sick.Clean your gardening tools with hot water.
Step 5: The root ball can be dug up with a shovel.
You can loosen the soil by digging around it with a shovel.Push down on the handle of the shovel to remove the root ball.Don't cut through the roots, especially those close to the rhizome.The thick part of the stem is called the rhizome.The roots clump together to form a ball.The roots can grow up to 2.5 cm in length.If you cut the ends of the roots, it's okay.
Step 6: The buds are along the stems.
Take the Rhubarb down on the ground to see where the buds and new shoots are.They are smaller, pinker, and more delicate than the rest of theRhubarb.Depending on the size of the plant, you can see between 8 and 10 buds.Each bud has the potential to grow into another plant.
Step 7: The segments should be cut apart so that they have 1 bud.
Cut the buds with a spade, all the way down to the roots.Pull the 2 halves together.Each clump has a rhizome, roots, and bud.Some will be bigger than others.They all have the potential to grow into healthy plants if you take good care of them.
Step 8: Cut off any parts that are rotting.
A small amount of decay is not a sign of a sick plant.The parts will look black or gray.Cut these off with shears.If the roots are rotten, this means that the soil is wet.There are more serious problems such as root disease, honey fungus, and crown rot.You need to discard crowns that are bad.
Step 9: The divisions should be planted between late fall and early spring.
The best time to plant the Rhubarb is in the late winter.As soon as you divide the original rhubarb, it is best to plant the rhizomes.You can store the rhizomes in a dark place if you can't plant them right away.If you can, plant them within the next week or so.
Step 10: The gardening soil should have 50% compost.
The Rhubarb needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get.The best organic matter is manure.If there is a plant in the soil, remove the old soil and use fresh soil.The planting site should be free of weeds.If the roots were rotten, add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the planting site.
Step 11: An area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight should be dug.
The hole is about 30 cm wide and 12 inches deep.It needs to be big enough to hold the entire division.You are planting just one division.You have to repeat this process for every division you want to plant.
Step 12: The hole should be covered with 1 inch of soil.
Before filling the hole with soil, set the root rhizome first.To protect it from the elements, cover the top of the rhizome with 1 inch of soil.Place your foot over the soil to remove air pockets.
Step 13: If you want, plant the rest of the rhizomes.
The new divisions should be kept 3 feet apart.If you have more than one row of Rhubarb, place the rows 3 to 6 feet apart.Wrap any divisions that you won't be planting right away and store them in a dark place.There will be new shoots after 2 to 3 months.It is best to plant the Rhubarb in the late winter to store it for a long time.
Step 14: Cut off leaves that are large.
The leaves use up a lot of energy and the new divisions need it to grow.If you find large leaves on your newly planted division, it is a good idea to cut them off.You can let the leaves grow once the plant is established.Some of the smaller leaves should be left behind.
Step 15: Don't let the Rhubarb become water-logged if you water it often.
Rhubarb requires water to keep the soil moist.During hot, dry seasons, add a deep layer of compost mulch to keep the soil moist.The crown of the Rhubarb should not be covered.
Step 16: During the spring or summer, fertilize the rhubarb.
You will need 2 ounces (70 g) for every square yard.Chemicals should not be used during the first year after you plant your new divisions.Well-rotted organic matter is the best.It's a good idea to avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen at first.After the first frost, you can use high-nitrogen fertilization.
Step 17: The Rhubarb should be divided every 5 to 6 years.
Even if 5 to 6 years have passed, you should divide your Rhubarb again if you notice thin or weak stalks.Weak stalks are a sign that the Rhubarb is losing strength.It will grow more vigorously if it is divided.Feed the new divisions with food.