Rhubarb

[crazzzymike13]

I just bought a Rhubarb plant. Found out that they like the cold. Well I live in zone 7. The Texas panhandle and it gets hot. Is there anyway I can make it grow? Has anyone in here ever grown it in hot climates?? What do I need to do to make it work??

Mike

 

[Greenthumb18]

First off !!

Rhubarb grown in the south or warmer climates generally are grown as annuals. Rhubarb reallys grows more successfully in northern climates where it's a perennial.


Have a look at these links they should help:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Growing-Rhubarb-Successfully-in-Southern-States

http://www.texasgardener.com/pastissues/julaug03/rhubarb.html


Good Luck!!

 

[digitS']

I didn't know that in warmer climates rhubarb needs to be grown as an annual ! That's disappointing news. Everyone should be able to enjoy rhubarb pie - there's no substitute!

The nicest rhubarb plants that I know about, grow on the east sides of buildings.

When the sun passes the middle of the sky at noon, the shadow of the buildings fall on the plants right through the afternoon. This isn't "dry shade" because there are no roots from trees or bushes. In fact, rhubarb seems to like plenty of water.

That might be the answer for you, Mike. This is a fairly short growing season here. Altho' it is hot and dry, things don't usually get too extreme. I felt that it took about 3 years, at least, to get the rhubarb well established. I would have hated to buy roots every year and harvest whatever I could off them .

There are some nice plants that are in the full sun but, as I say, the largest and most productive plants that I know of, are in afternoon shade.

Best of Luck,

Steve

 

[Hattie the Hen]

I would erect an arbour ( it can be something very simple) over it & cover with shade cloth pegged on. Then your main trouble will be to stop it from going to seed. Every day or so you will have to check the plant for this thick, rather rude-looking spike appearing; This must be cut off immediately otherwise you have had it.....!!

It is worth giving it a go as rhubarb is really something special & yes it needs lots of water & lots of poo-ey compost, both dug into the planting hole & used as a mulch.

Good luck with your project & let us know how it goes! :happy_flower

Oooooh! & WELCOME TO TEG !


:rose Hattie :rose