Varieties of Rhubarb

 

There are several different varieties of rhubarb grown all over the world and used in a variety of cooking preparations. One characteristic consistent with all rhubarb is the toxicity of the leaves and roots. The rhubarb leaves contain high amounts of oxalic acid, a toxic and potentially deadly poison. Only the stems are edible.

• Victoria Red Rhubarb -Perennial - Easy to grow One of the largest and most productive varieties
• Rhubarb Cherry Red   BThis winter-hardy variety loves cold weather! Rich red through and through, this heavy producer is juicy, tender, and sweet. Cherry Red is a winter-hardy rhubarb that thrives in cold weather. Perfect for Northern growers.
• Valentine Rhubarb  Loved for its hardiness, delicious flavor, thick flesh and fine grain
• Victoria Rhubarb   Easy-to-grow rhubarb variety
• Bastard Rhubarb
• Chinese rhubarb
• English Rhubarb
• European Wild Rhubarb
• Garden Rhubarb
• Himalayan rhubarb
• Indian rhubarb
• Ornamental Rhubarb
• Sweet Round-leaved Dock
• Wine Plant

Seed & Nursery Catalogs

 

 

 

Dividing Rhubarb Crowns

When a rhubarb crown is 6 to 8 years old, it should be dug up and divided. This should be done in the early spring . Insert a shovel about 6 inches into the ground next to the base of the plant and lift out the entire crown. Some roots will break off and should be left in the ground.

with your hands, or a small a hatchet break the crown into fist-sized pieces, each with at least a bud and one large root piece. Smaller pieces with broken roots that are at least the size of a small cigar, can be put back together as a single crown. In this case, allow more time for the plant to develop before harvesting.

Replant the new divisions immediately or as soon as possible. If planting is delayed due to weather conditions, store them in a cool dry area.. Rehydrate the divisions before planting by soaking in water for several hours, or overnight.

 

 

Pests & Diseases Common to Rhubarb

Fungus [Botrytis Rot]

May cause a leaf, stem and crown rot of forced rhubarb which intensifies where there is poor air circulation and high humidity.

Control: Apply recommended fungicide at first sign of disease and weekly thereafter
 

See Also : Cornell University Fact sheet :Botrytis Rot


Leaf Spots

Circular spots, variable in size Beige centers surrounded by red . When affected tissue dies, it may drop out, leaving large ragged holes in the leaves.

Control: Remove and destroy leaves following the first frost. During harvest, remove stems with spotted leaves first. Apply fungicide used for Botrytis control.

See Also University of Minnesota: Rhubarb Leaf Spots

 

Viruses

Several viruses are also known to occur in rhubarb. turnip mosaic, arabis mosaic and cherry leaf roll virus are common. These viruses have wide host ranges and cause mottling and ring spotting of leaves. They may be introduced in infected stock.

Control: Obtain and plant healthy nursery stock. Avoid planting virus free crowns near virus contaminated crowns.



Insects

Potato Stem Borer

Characteristics: The potato stem borer is a caterpillar, which when fully grown is about 3.5 cm in length and pinkish-white in color. The first stages of the insect attack only weeds, couch grass in particular. Later they move into plants with thicker stems, such as rhubarb. They may move from stem to stem, boring into the centre of the stalk. The adult moths lay their eggs on the stems of grasses in August. The eggs do not hatch until the following spring. Damage can be expected in June and early July. Serious infestation can lead to an unmarketable crop.

Control: This pest is not a problem when couch grass and other weeds are controlled in and around the rhubarb plantation. Weeds should be controlled to make the field less attractive for egg laying by the adult moth. Early spring burning of affected fields or field margins will effectively control this pest.



Tarnished plant bug

Characteristics: Adult tarnished plant bugs are light brown to reddish brown in colour and about 5-6 mm in length. They occur throughout the season. They are very active and quick moving. They can damage rhubarb by feeding on young leaves. They pierce the stalk with their mouthparts and cause wilting and distortion of the leaves. Tarnished plant bugs are mainly a pest of new plantings.

Control: Keep plantings and adjacent areas weed free. Avoid planting adjacent to legumes.



Slugs

Characteristics: Slugs may be a problem in plantings with heavy soils, poor drainage and in weedy situations. Slugs fed at night, by rasping the surface of stems, leaving unsightly scars, which reduce the saleability of the stem.

Prevention: Provide good soil drainage. Keep weeds under control. Remove leaves and trash from the field when harvesting. Do not use manure and/or mulches in areas of field prone to slug damage.

See Pest Control for more extensive data


 

Purported medicinal properties of Rhubarb

Use of rhubarb has been recorded as early as the 1st century AD in China and it has been cultivated in the West since the 18th century. Its primary medicinal use is as a laxative safe even for young children due to its gentle action. It is also effective in the treatment for many digestive problems.

**It is a laxative when taken in large doses but has a constipating effect in smaller ones.


 

Additional References

Rhubarb: a special plant.(Notes from the Northwoods) : An article from: Countryside & Small Stock Journal

Rodale's Garden Problem Solver : Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs

Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener : A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically