How to Plant Canadian Red Rhubarb

A high-yielding, low-maintenance variety, "Canada Red" rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L. "Canada Red") produces long, thin, stalks with a high sugar content that results in extra sweet flavor. "Canada Red" rhubarb is often used in jellies, pies and sauces because the tender stalks require no peeling and hold the bright, cherry-red color even when cooked. This hardy, cool-season fruit is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Plant rhubarb starts in early spring.

Spade or plow
Organic matter
Dry 5-10-10 fertilizer
Hoe
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Pull weeds from the garden spot, and spade or plow the soil to a depth of at least 10 inches. Dig 3 to 4 inches of compost, decomposed animal waste or other organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil. Additionally, dig in approximately 1/4-cup of dry 5-10-10 fertilizer for each rhubarb start.
- 2
  Make rows 3 to 4 feet apart, using the tip of a hoe. Plant the rhubarb starts so the crowns -- the point where the roots meet the leaves -- are no more than 1 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil. Allow 36 to 48 inches between each start.
- 3
  Pat the soil around the crown. Water the starts to a depth of about 6 inches.
- 4
  Spread 3 to 4 inches of straw or other mulch around the rhubarb when the plants show healthy new growth. Mulch keeps the soil moist and helps control growth of weeds.
- 5
  Water the rhubarb starts two or three times every week for the first two or three years, then decreasing to once every one to two weeks. Always provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches.

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