In the last restaurant meal, did you order a strawberry rhubarb pie? If you enjoy this fruit’s tangy taste, you may be planning to grow rhubarb in containers at home. This is possible to do, and you will be able to grow enough rhubarb to make pies for the entire family.
Fun fact: Rhubarb is a vegetable, not a fruit. This guide will show you how to grow rhubarb in containers, including the best type of container to use and what type of soil is best.
Think about the tasty possibilities of strawberry rhubarb pies, rhubarb crisp, and rhubarb compote. Yum! Let’s learn how to grow this delicious, tangy vegetable. But will it all go well!!
Does Rhubarb Grow Well In Pots?
Rhubarb is a popular plant for both its fruit and its foliage. The stalks of the plant are typically used in pies or jams, while the leaves are often used as decoration. Though it is mainly grown in garden beds, rhubarb can also be grown in pots.
The answer is yes; rhubarb grow well in pots. Growing rhubarb in containers is often recommended for those who want to grow the plant but do not have enough space for a garden bed.
Rhubarb is a perennial plant that will grow back year after year. This is excellent news for those who want to grow the plant but do not want to deal with replanting it every year.
Step By Step Guide To Grow Rhubarb In Containers
Now that you know that rhubarb can grow in pots, it is time to learn how to grow rhubarb in containers.
1. Choose the right pot.
When growing rhubarb in containers, it is crucial to choose the right pot. The pot should be at least 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This will give the plant enough room to grow.
It is also essential to choose a pot that has drainage holes. Rhubarb plants need well-drained soil, so the drainage holes will help to ensure that the plant does not get too much water.
2. Fill the pot with well-drained soil.
Think about it like this: the roots of the plant need to be able to breathe. If the roots are sitting in water, they will not be able to get the oxygen they need, and the plant will not be able to grow.
For this reason, it is essential to use well-drained soil when growing rhubarb in containers. This soil will allow the roots to get the air they need while retaining moisture.
3. Plant the rhubarb plant.
Once you have the pot and the soil, it is time to plant the rhubarb plant. Be sure to plant the plant so that the crown is just above the soil line. The crown is the point where the leaves meet the stem. If the crown is buried too deeply, the plant will not be able to grow.
4. Water the plant regularly.
For well-drained soil, watering the plant is essential. The plant will need about 1 inch of water per week. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure that it is dry.
5. Fertilize the plant.
Fertilizing the plant is vital to help it grow. Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions. Remember, too much fertilizer can be just as harmful as not enough.
6. Harvest the rhubarb.
The plant will be ready to harvest in the second year. To reap the rhubarb, cut the stalks at the base of the plant. Leave at least 3 inches of the stem so the plant can continue growing.
Here’s an organic container gardening guide and tips to protect container gardens from animals. Keep reading to get the best reap out of your rhubarb plant.
What Should Not Be Planted Near Rhubarb?
It is essential to know what should not be planted near rhubarb to prevent problems with growth and yield. For example, onions (Allium species) and garlic (Allium sativum) can stunt the growth of rhubarb plants and should therefore be kept away from them.
In addition, beans (Phaseolus species) and peas (Pisum sativum) can compete with rhubarb for nutrients, so it is best to plant them separately. Finally, tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) should not be planted near rhubarb, as they are susceptible to the same diseases.
Should Rhubarb Be Grown In The Sun Or Shade?
Rhubarb can be grown in the sun and shade however it prefers a sunny location. It needs at least six hours of sunlight each day to produce its best flavor. The plants also have more leaves in full sun, which can provide some protection for the roots from excessive heat.
If you live in an area with scorching summers, you may want to grow rhubarb in a semi-shaded location to protect it from the afternoon heat. However, when growing rhubarb in the shade, be aware that plants produce fewer leaves and stems.
As a result, they may need to be fertilized more frequently to encourage growth. While rhubarb will grow in both sun and shade, it tends to do best in full sun.
7 Tips For Growing Rhubarb In Containers
You may consider growing your rhubarb if you’re lucky enough to have a green thumb. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide and deep. Rhubarb plants have extensive root systems, so they need plenty of room to grow.
- Fill your pot with a quality potting mix or compost. This will help your rhubarb get the nutrients it needs to grow.
- Water your rhubarb regularly, but don’t allow the soil to become waterlogged. Over-watering can cause the roots to rot.
- Place your pot in an area that gets full sun for at least six hours daily. Rhubarb needs lots of sunlight to thrive.
- Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. This will help it produce lots of lush, green leaves.
- Harvest your rhubarb when the stalks are at least 12 inches long. Cut them at the base with a sharp knife, careful not to damage the plant.
Back To You
Now that you know how to grow rhubarb in containers, you can enjoy the delicious tangy taste of rhubarb all summer long. Just remember to give your plant plenty of room to grow, water it regularly, and fertilize it often.
With a bit of care, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, homegrown rhubarb for many years to come. Now let’s look at how to grow bitter melon and swiss chard in containers! And do you know the best tomatoes that grow well in containers?
