Growing Tasty Rhubarb in the Southern Garden

Rhubarb is a cold-hardy perennial that thrives in cooler climates, making it a challenge to grow in the hot southern states. However, with care and attention, you can have a successful rhubarb patch even in the South. This hearty vegetable, though technically a fruit, is worth the extra effort for its tart and tasty early spring stalks.

Rhubarb Basics

Rhubarb plants prefer chilly winters and cool summers, They need a dormant period in winter with temperatures below 40 degrees F for at least 2-3 months This cold period stimulates crown and root growth for a vigorous spring harvest

The challenge in the South is meeting rhubarb’s winter chill requirement. Most areas lack an extended stretch of freezing temps. Plus hot sunny summers cause the plants to go dormant and stop producing sooner.

However, planting rhubarb in the right location and caring for it properly makes growing this cold-climate crop feasible even in southern gardens.

Choosing the Best Site

• Select the coolest spot in your garden, with afternoon shade if possible. Rhubarb thrives in full sun farther north, but appreciates partial shade in hot southern zones.

• Plant on the north or east side of a building or fence to provide winter chill protection and summer shade.

• Avoid warm sites near concrete or asphalt that radiate heat. An unheated shed or garage can provide ideal cold conditions.

• Raised beds allow better cold air drainage and drainage in general. Rhubarb hates wet feet.

• Loose, fertile soil enriched with compost or manure gives rhubarb the nutrition boost it needs for fast growth in the South.

Providing Adequate Winter Chill

The key to success with rhubarb in the South is ensuring plants get 10-12 weeks of chill below 40 degrees F. Here are some strategies to help meet this requirement:

• Plant rhubarb in late summer or fall. This allows it to establish roots before going dormant.

• Insulate crowns with mulch like straw or pine needles once dormant.

• Place cloches, cold frames, or tunnels over plants to extend chill time. Vent on sunny winter days.

• Move potted rhubarb into an unheated garage or shed in winter months.

• Harvest rhubarb earlier than farther north, stopping in early spring before warm weather hits.

• Provide copious water in summer along with partial shade or dappled sunlight.

Caring for Rhubarb Year-Round

Rhubarb needs attentive care and protection to yield well in southern gardens:

• Spring – Harvest stalks sparingly the first year after planting crowns. Remove flower stalks to focus energy on roots and crowns.

• Summer – Plants go dormant once temperatures rise over 80 degrees F. Stop harvesting. Water deeply and mulch well. Prune back yellow leaves.

• Fall – Apply compost and fertilizer to replenish nutrients. Mulch crowns before first frost. Trim away all dead leaves and stalks.

• Winter – Place cloches or tunnels over plants in December or January. Ventilate on sunny days above 40 degrees F. Check for rodent damage on crowns.

Growing Rhubarb from Seed

In addition to planting crowns, you can also start rhubarb from seed in the South. Here’s how:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost date. Soak seeds 24 hours before planting.

• Grow seedlings on for an entire season before transplanting outdoors in fall. This gives them time to establish.

• Transplant young rhubarb plants to their permanent site in fall. Grow for one season before harvesting stalks.

• Seed-grown rhubarb may be less uniform in color and taste but costs much less than purchasing crowns.

Common Rhubarb Varieties for the South

Recommended rhubarb varieties for southern gardens include:

• Canada Red – Large tender stalks with ruby red skin and tart flesh. Requires more chill time.

• Victoria – A hardy heirloom with thick green stalks that turn crimson red. Does well in zones 4-8.

• Valentine – A tender pink variety that’s more heat tolerant. Good for zone 7 gardens and warmer.

• Chipman’s Canada Red – A newer hybrid with super sweet candy-apple red stalks and good heat tolerance.

Harvesting and Enjoying Rhubarb

The first spring after planting rhubarb crowns, pick just a few stalks to allow the plants to establish. By year two, you can begin harvesting heavier. Here’s how:

• Start picking stalks in early spring once they reach about 10 inches long.

• Twist and pull stalks gently sideways to remove them from the crown. Take no more than half at a time.

• Avoid cutting stalks, which can allow disease in. Always pull them from the base.

• Stop harvesting once temperatures exceed 80 degrees F, as stalks become woody and tough in summer heat.

• Stalks are tart raw but excellent for pies, jams, baked goods, sauces and other recipes once sweetened.

• Chill and cook rhubarb soon after picking it. The stalks wilt and lose flavor quickly at room temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Rhubarb Problems

Rhubarb can run into issues like any garden plant. Watch for these potential problems:

• Poor leaf growth – Usually a sign plants didn’t get enough winter chill. Insulate better next year.

• Few or no stalks – Extreme summer heat arrived too soon. Provide more shade next year.

• Small tough stalks – Harvested too late in warm weather. Stop earlier next spring.

• Wilting leaves – Rhubarb is prone to fungal issues in heat and humidity. Improve air circulation.

• Rotted crowns – Likely crown rot disease. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Enjoying the Tart Taste of Homegrown Rhubarb

With extra care providing winter chill and summer shelter, even southern gardeners can reap a bountiful harvest of tangy rhubarb stalks. The brilliant ruby color and zingy flavor of rhubarb pies, jams, and tarts straight from your backyard are well worth the added effort.