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Rheum rhabarbarum

Rhubarb

Common names: Common rhubarb

Rhubarb

This description was machine-translated.

Description

Rhubarb is a perennial herb that each spring produces vigorous, tart stalks from its thick rhizome. The stalks are used in compotes, cakes, and preserves; only the leaves remain in the compost because of their high oxalic acid content. Once planted, a plant can live for many years and requires only ample space and nutrients.

Care instructions

Plant the rhizomes in autumn or early spring in a sunny, deep, humus-rich spot and give each plant about one square meter of space. In spring, fertilize with mature compost and water generously during dry periods. Harvest the stalks by twisting them out, stop harvesting at the end of June (week 26), and leave at least one third of the stalks standing so the plant can recover.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 5.5–7.58.0

Soil type

loamy, humus-rich, well-drained, nutrient-rich, moist

LightFull sun
HardinessHardy
Water needHigh

Feeding

Heavy feeder

Companion planting

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Diseases & pests

2 relevant

From the knowledge base, automatically linked by affected species. How to spot and prevent them is covered in full in the lexicon.

PesthighApr–Sep
Grub beetle

Phyllopertha horticola

Grubs are the larvae of the garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola) and usually live for one year, or up to two years in cooler locations, in the soil where they eat roots and tubers.

More on Grub beetle
PesthighMar–Nov
Water vole

Arvicola terrestris

The water vole, commonly called a burrowing vole, lives underground and feeds on roots, tubers and the bark at the root collar.

More on Water vole

Notes from real gardens

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