Guide to Dividing Rhubarb

As spring approaches, one home improvement project I will be doing is to divide my rhubarb plants. My plants have been in the ground about 8 years and it is time to divide them. This will create healthier roots and better production.

Early spring is the best time to divide rhubarb. Prepare a new bed by turning the soil and working in a healthy dose of compost or manure. If desired, you can outline the bed to give it more permanence and to keep foot traffic from inadvertently stepping on your new rhubarb bed.

Dig up your rhubarb roots to divide them.

When you dig up the rhubarb roots, you will probably not get the entire piece intact. If desired, you can add back compost and your original spot will again provide you with new plants. The root that you unearthed will have several rhizomes and starts on it. There will also be signs of rot in some areas of the root. This is a normal part of the lifespan of the rhubarb plant. Trim and discard the rot from the healthy rhizomes.

Divide the Rhubarb root:

When you divide the rhubarb, it may be easier to first cut it in half, then to cut it in fourths. Be sure you get healthy rootstock and rhizomes in each of your cuttings. One six year old rhubarb root could easily produce six to eight new plantings.

Plant your Rhubarb Roots Promptly:

Space your rhubarb plants about three feet apart and roots need to be at least two inches below the ground. If your plant is currently sprouting, plant the rhubarb so that the sprout is at ground level. Try to plant your rhubarb as soon after you dig it up as possible. This will help to keep it from rotting further and will allow the plant to settle and establish itself before the spring growth starts.

Water your Rhubarb

Rhubarb is drought and cold tolerant. It does not like a lot of heat, so down south, rhubarb can be successfully established on the north side of the house. You will need to water it when you plant it and throughout the year. Once it is established, add some compost each year and you will have a tasty treat to look forward to every spring.

The great thing about rhubarb is it is a great addition to an edible landscape. You can also add asparagus to your rhubarb bed and enjoy the double treat every spring. Rhubarb is long-lived and can last as long as 20 years with just minimal care.

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