Spring is a season of fresh starts—and on the farm, that means it’s the perfect time to divide and replant rhubarb. These hardy perennials thrive with a little love every few years, and dividing the roots not only rejuvenates older plants but also gives you more crowns to spread around or share. Each year we need to replenish approximately five acres of rhubarb plants that are used for the forced rhubarb crop, so this job although quite muddy is very important!
Digging In
Once the soil has warmed up and the danger of hard frost has passed, it’s time to dig in—literally. Using an old potato digger, we dig up established rhubarb crowns, lifting carefully to avoid too much root breakage. Some of our rhubarb plants are over 20 years old and upwards to 100 lbs. We carefully set each section on a trailer until it is filled and we are ready to divide them into smaller, individual plants.
Dividing the Crowns
We take the large crown, shake off excess soil and use a sharp spade to divide the larger mass. Each division should have at least one or two healthy buds (often called “eyes”) and a good chunk of root. The soft sections are trimmed away and cleaned up and then the smaller, “new” rhubarb plant is placed in a bin until it is time to replant.
Back to the Earth
Rhubarb divisions are replanted in rich, well-drained soil, spaced about 3 feet apart. This spacing allows room for those big, beautiful leaves to grow and the roots to spread out absorbing water and nutrients to feed and anchor the plant. Each crown is buried just below the soil surface (approximately 4 cm).
Remember – when dividing and replanting rhubarb you need to give your new plantings at least two season to settle in. It is important to resist harvesting rhubarb in the first few years so they can build strength and develop a healthy root system. In yea few years time, the plants will be thriving and can be harvested and enjoyed.
Happy planting!