How to Propagate Gunnera

Gunnera, often called giant rhubarb, is a large herbaceous perennial with leaves that can grow up to 4 feet long. It's hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8 and grows best in partial to full sun in rich, moist soil. Gunnera grows from underground rhizomes, which can be divided. Each division forms its own plant, making division a quick and easy way to propagate a gunnera, compared to growing it from seed. Divide gunnera in the spring or early fall for the best results.

Garden fork or spade
Hose
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Remove part of a gunnera clump from the ground using a garden fork or spade. Dig down about 4 inches around the area of the clump you want to divide, then cut under to lift the rhizomes from the ground. You'll likely need to cut through some of the rhizomes for this step since the entire clump may be too large to dig up.
- 2
  Brush off the dirt and wash the rhizomes with a hose. Examine the underground structures to look for natural divisions. Each divided section must have green shoots growing from the rhizome, or eyes (buds).
- 3
  Cut the rhizomes apart with a knife, if possible. You may have to slice them apart with a pitchfork or spade.
- 4
  Discard any old, non-productive and damaged rhizomes. Replant healthy sections just under the soil surface so the crowns are at ground level. The eye or shoots should be facing upward.
- 5
  Irrigate the divisions with 1 inch of water and keep the soil evenly moist for three to four weeks until they become established. Add 1 tablespoon of bulb fertilizer to each division to boost growth.

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