Can I Plant Rhubarb Near Blueberries? How to Make This Pairing Work

Rhubarb and blueberries are two garden favorites that can be combined to make delicious pies, jams, and more. But can these plants also thrive when paired together in the garden? Rhubarb and blueberries have some similarities in their care, but issues like competition and specific needs make companion planting them more complex.

With the right conditions, planting rhubarb and blueberries together is possible. However, gardeners must take steps to prevent problems and ensure both plants get what they require to produce abundant, healthy harvests. Follow this guide to understand if and how to successfully plant rhubarb near blueberries.

The Similar Requirements of Rhubarb and Blueberries

Before planting rhubarb and blueberries as companions, it’s important to understand how their needs overlap. Here are some key similarities that can facilitate combining these plants:

• Soil pH Rhubarb and blueberries both prefer acidic soil with a pH between 45-65. This makes cohabiting easier since they thrive in similar soil conditions.

• Sun exposure While rhubarb tolerates some shade both plants grow best with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. East or west facing spots work well.

• Chilling requirements: Rhubarb and blueberries need a cold dormancy period to grow and fruit well. They flourish in areas with cold winters.

• Organic matter: Abundant organic material is ideal for rhubarb and blueberries. Compost, rotted manure, and mulch keep their soil healthy.

• Watering: These plants enjoy consistently moist soil. Blueberries especially require even moisture. Group planting makes irrigation easier.

With coordinated soil preparation and care, rhubarb and blueberries can potentially thrive next to each other. But certain cautions are also needed.

Concerns with Growing Rhubarb and Blueberries Together

While rhubarb and blueberries share some ideal growing conditions, their differences could also lead to trouble when placed together in a garden:

• Nutrient competition: Rhubarb and blueberries are heavy feeders, especially nitrogen. Without extra fertilizer, they may compete for nutrients and experience reduced yields.

• Allelopathy: Rhubarb leaves contain high oxalic acid levels, which may suppress blueberry growth. Avoid rhubarb leaves touching blueberry plants.

• Shade concerns: Rhubarb’s spreading leaves may overly shade blueberry bushes, leading to reduced fruit production.

• Spacing needs: These large plants need adequate space to reach mature sizes. Overcrowding leads to disease and reduced air circulation.

With planning and care, these issues can be prevented. But gardeners must be diligent to meet each plant’s unique needs when pairing rhubarb and blueberries.

Best Practices for Growing Rhubarb and Blueberries Together

Growing robust and productive rhubarb and blueberries as companion plants is possible using these methods:

• Test soil pH: Check that soil pH is between 4.5-6.0. Adjust with sulfur if too alkaline.

• Improve soil: Incorporate generous amounts of compost and organic material before planting. Mulch annually.

• Allow room: Leave 3-4 feet between plants. Blueberries need a 6 foot diameter space; rhubarb 2-3 feet.

• Site rhubarb carefully: Position rhubarb so leaves don’t overtake blueberry bushes. Plant on edges or corners.

• Fertilize: Use a balanced organic fertilizer to provide sufficient nitrogen for both heavy feeders.

• Water evenly: Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses to maintain soil moisture, especially around blueberry roots.

• Control rhubarb leaves: Remove leaves around blueberries. Never compost toxic rhubarb leaves where plants grow.

• Watch for issues: Monitor both plants. Treat diseases immediately and improve conditions if plants underperform.

With attentive care and prevention of problems, rhubarb and blueberries can be grown together while reaching their full potential.

Special Considerations for Container Growing

The confined environment of containers makes pairing rhubarb and blueberries even more challenging. Here are tips to improve success:

• Choose self-pollinating blueberry varieties to avoid needing multiple plants.

• Select compact or dwarf rhubarb cultivars like ‘Victoria’ that won’t overwhelm pots.

• Use at least a 20-gallon container for each plant. Bigger is better to hold ample soil.

• Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent overly wet soil that could cause root rot.

• Position containers together in an area with at least 6 hours of sun exposure.

• Amend potting mix with organic material like compost or manure to enrich nutrient levels.

• Fertilize more frequently – at least monthly – to replenish nutrients that leach from containers.

• Provide consistent moisture through drip irrigation. Take care not to overwater.

With extra diligence, it’s possible to get a modest rhubarb and blueberry harvest from container plantings.

Troubleshooting Problems

Even with the best methods, issues may arise when growing rhubarb and blueberries together. Watch for these potential problems:

• Stunted growth: This often results from competition for nutrients in the absence of additional fertilizer. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer and monitor improvements.

• Pale leaves: Iron deficiency is common in high pH soils. Check pH and adjust if needed. Apply an iron supplement.

• Small crops: Overcrowding, nutrient deficiency, inadequate sunlight, and moisture stress can limit yields. Improve growing conditions.

• Rotting roots: Excess moisture leads to root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings and ensure containers have drainage.

• Leggy growth: Insufficient sunlight causes leggy plant growth as plants reaching for light. Relocate to a sunnier spot.

• Wilting: Consistent wilting indicates a watering issue. Check soil moisture daily and improve irrigation.

By identifying issues early and making adjustments, most companion planting problems can be corrected.

Enjoying Rhubarb and Blueberry Harvests

Part of the appeal of growing rhubarb and blueberries together is combining their harvests into tantalizing treats. Here are some tips for using their bounty:

• Stagger planting times so harvest windows are extended from early summer through fall. Choose early and late-cropping varieties.

• Pick rhubarb stalks when they reach substantial size – typically 1-2 inches diameter. Don’t remove more than 1/3 of stalks at once.

• For blueberries, harvest when fruits turn completely blue. Pick in the coolest part of morning.

• Eat freshly picked blueberries immediately or freeze extras for later use.

• Chop and freeze extra rhubarb stalks. Frozen rhubarb holds well for months.

• Combine in pies, jams, sauces, muffins, or compotes. Blueberries nicely balance rhubarb’s tartness.

With strategic scheduling and diligent harvesting, a rhubarb and blueberry duo can yield months of flavorsome fruit.

Final Tips for Success with Rhubarb and Blueberries

Companion planting blueberries and rhubarb together is an advanced endeavor but certainly achievable. Here are final tips to guide your efforts:

• Amend soil at planting time and use mulch and compost to enrich regularly

• Provide supplemental organic fertilizer to prevent nutrient deficiencies

• Allow plenty of space between plants for air circulation and growth

• Take care to minimize shading of blueberry bushes

• Supply ample, even moisture to keep soil consistency optimal

• Control wayward rhubarb leaves to prevent toxicity to blueberries

• Support plants with trellises and cages as needed as they mature

With knowledge of their specific requirements, consistency in care, and preventative measures, a rhubarb and blueberry pairing can thrive and reward the thoughtful gardener. Be diligent, and you’ll reap a double harvest of jeweled blue berries and rosy pink stalks.