How to Transplant Rhubarb Plant

Rhubarb is a popular perennial vegetable that is known for its tart and tangy stalks. It is commonly used in pies, jams, and other delicious desserts. If you have a rhubarb plant that has outgrown its current location or if you want to move it to a more suitable spot in your garden, transplanting it is the way to go. While transplanting rhubarb may seem like a daunting task, with the right techniques and proper care, you can successfully move it without causing any harm to the plant. In this article, we will guide you through the process of transplanting a rhubarb plant.

Choosing the Right Time

Transplanting rhubarb should be done during its dormant period, which is in early spring or late fall. This ensures that the plant is not actively growing and minimizes the stress on the roots. It is important to avoid transplanting during hot summer months as the heat can cause the plant to suffer from shock and potentially die.

Preparing the New Location

Before you start digging up your rhubarb plant, it is crucial to prepare the new location where you will be transplanting it. Rhubarb thrives in well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.8. Choose a spot that receives full sun or partial shade, as excessive shade can lead to weak growth and smaller stalks.

Begin by removing any weeds or grass from the area and loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Make sure there is enough space for the rhubarb plant to grow, as it can spread up to 3 feet in diameter.

Digging Up the Rhubarb Plant

To transplant your rhubarb plant, start by cutting back any foliage to about 6 inches above the ground. This will reduce water loss and help the plant focus its energy on root development. Next, carefully dig around the plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Rhubarb has deep and extensive root systems, so you will need to dig to a depth of at least 12 inches to ensure you get the entire root system.

Once you have dug around the plant, lift it out of the ground using a garden fork or shovel. Be gentle to avoid damaging the roots. If the plant is too large or heavy to lift in one piece, you can divide it into smaller sections. Each division should have at least three to four healthy buds or “crowns.”

Transplanting the Rhubarb Plant

After lifting the rhubarb plant from its original location, it is crucial to transplant it as soon as possible to prevent the roots from drying out. If you need to take a break or transport the plant to a different area, wrap the roots in damp burlap or newspaper to keep them moist.

Dig a hole in the prepared new location that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the entire root system without crowding it. Place the rhubarb plant in the hole, making sure that the buds or “crowns” are positioned just below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

Water the newly transplanted rhubarb thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets. Mulch around the base of the plant with straw or wood chips to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Avoid covering the crown of the plant with mulch, as this can lead to rotting.

Care and Maintenance After Transplanting

After transplanting your rhubarb plant, it is important to provide it with proper care and maintenance to ensure its successful establishment. Here are some tips to help your transplanted rhubarb thrive:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during the first few weeks after transplanting. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Fertilizing: Rhubarb requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and again in early fall. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of stalk production.

• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds from around the rhubarb plant to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.

• Dividing: As your rhubarb plant grows, it may become overcrowded. Every 4-5 years, consider dividing it to maintain its vigor and productivity. Dig up the plant during its dormant period and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy buds or “crowns.”

• Harvesting: It is important to resist the temptation to harvest rhubarb during its first year after transplanting. Allow the plant to establish itself and develop a robust root system. In the second year, you can start harvesting stalks by gently pulling them away from the base. Only harvest about one-third of the stalks at a time to avoid stressing the plant.

Transplanting a rhubarb plant requires careful planning and execution, but with proper care afterward, your plant will quickly adapt to its new location and continue to provide you with delicious stalks for years to come. Remember to choose the right time, prepare the new location, dig up the plant with care, and provide it with adequate water, fertilizer, and maintenance. Happy gardening!