The Best Organic Fertilizers for Growing Delicious Rhubarb

As any rhubarb lover knows, this hearty perennial produces tangy stalks perfect for pies, jams, and more But without the right care and feeding, your rhubarb patch may not thrive and reach its full potential. When it comes to fertilizing rhubarb organically, you have options to provide this heavy feeding plant the diet it craves.

In this article, we’ll explore the best organic fertilizers to spur lush growth, higher yields, and great flavor from your rhubarb. Let’s dig in!

Why Rhubarb Needs Rich Fertilizer

Rhubarb is a cool weather crop that emerges early each spring with explosive growth. It rapidly sends up large leaves to capture sunlight and sturdy stalks that become the edible portions.

This burst of vigorous growth requires substantial nutrients from the soil. Nitrogen promotes healthy leaves while phosphorus fuels root development and flower production. And potassium is key for overall plant vitality.

Without sufficient fertilizer, rhubarb plants may become stunted and produce thinner, fewer stalks. Their flavor may also suffer without adequate nutrition.

While synthetic fertilizers can provide an instant nutrient jolt, organic options nourish rhubarb plants over a longer period without chemical residues. Organic fertilizers also build soil health by feeding microbes and adding organic matter.

Top Organic Fertilizer Choices for Rhubarb

Many organic amendments make excellent fertilizers for rhubarb. Here are some of the top contenders:

• Compost: Compost offers a smorgasbord of balanced nutrition from decomposed plants, manure, and other organic ingredients. Work 1-2 inches into soil before planting or side dress existing plants.

• Well-aged manure: Manure provides nitrogen and other nutrients, but use aged at least 6 months to avoid burning plants. Horse, cow, chicken, rabbit, and sheep manure all work.

• Fish emulsion: This liquid fertilizer made from fish waste gives an immediate nitrogen injection. Dilute before applying to avoid leaf burn.

• Worm castings: The waste from composting worms is rich in nutrients and teeming with beneficial microbes. Mix into soil or use as mulch.

• Bone meal: Made from ground animal bones, this supplies a hefty helping of phosphorus to promote blooms and root growth.

• Seaweed and kelp: These ocean-derived amendments provide potassium, micronutrients, and growth-stimulating hormones. Use liquid kelp extracts or meal.

• Blood meal: A high-nitrogen fertilizer made from dried, powdered animal blood. Sparingly apply around plants and water in well.

• Grass clippings: Fresh clippings in thin layers make excellent mulch to slowly fertilize as they decompose. Don’t use clippings from lawns treated with herbicides.

When and How Often to Fertilize Rhubarb

Timing is important when feeding rhubarb organically. Here are some tips:

• Fertilize just as growth resumes in early spring when nutrients are needed most. This powers leaf and stalk production.

• Avoid over-fertilizing late in summer to prevent tender new growth before dormancy.

• Feed a second time 4-6 weeks after the initial spring fertilizer if plants need an extra boost.

• Top dress around plants so nutrients can release slowly into the root zone rather than dumping directly on foliage.

• Replenish compost, manure, and other organic matter each fall to prepare soil for next year’s growth.

With proper organic fertilization in spring and early summer, rhubarb should thrive year after year without any additional mid-season feeding.

Pay attention to signs of nutrient deficiency like stunted plants or yellowing leaves. This may indicate a need for more fertilizer. But hold off on any extra nitrogen later in summer to avoid frost-sensitive new growth.

Best Practices for Fertilizing Rhubarb Organically

Here are some key tips for safely and effectively feeding rhubarb organically:

• Test soil first to determine actual nutrient needs and pH. Adjust pH into rhubarb’s ideal 6.5-6.8 range if needed.

• Read fertilizer labels and follow instructions to avoid over-application. More isn’t always better!

• Apply in smaller doses over time rather than one massive feeding to prevent burn.

• Water fertilizers into soil thoroughly after applying to prevent foliage burn.

• Alternate fertilizers to provide a balance of nutrients. For example, use bone meal one season and kelp the next.

• Monitor plants for signs of nutrient excess like floppy growth or burnt leaf tips indicating too much nitrogen.

• Dig a couple inches of compost, manure, or other organic matter into soil each fall to feed soil microbes over winter.

The Importance of Soil Health for Optimal Growth

In addition to proper nutrition, rhubarb thrives in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Here are some tips for building a fertile soil environment:

• Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or rotted manure before planting new rhubarb crowns.

• Maintain a soil pH between 6.5-6.8. Rhubarb prefers slightly acidic conditions.

• Ensure adequate drainage by amending heavy clay soil with compost.

• Use wood chips, leaves, or straw as organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Let soil rest and replenish for at least 3 years between rhubarb plantings in the same spot.

Healthy soil equals healthy plants. Pay as much attention to improving your soil life and structure as you do fertilizing your rhubarb properly.

Give Your Rhubarb the Diet It Deserves

Now that you know the best organic options for fertilizing rhubarb, it’s time to give your plants the nourishment they need. With the right soil environment and smart organic feeding practices, your rhubarb will reward you with abundant tangy stalks for years to come.

Experiment with different organic fertilizers and find the winning combinations your rhubarb responds to best. Just be sure to resist overfeeding, as rhubarb can easily get an upset tummy. A little organic matter goes a long way with this nutrient-hungry perennial.

Here’s to growing your most delectable rhubarb yet, no chemicals required. Happy gardening!