Rhubarb
Moderators: KG Steve, Chantal, Tigger, peter
When I was visiting an allotment the other day a chap there came me an armful of rhubarb. I have been preparing it today to make a crumble and noticed that some of the sticks have what looks like rooty bits at the bottom. Would it be possible for me to get a plant from these? How does a rhubarb plant get started? If I bury them in compost would they take?Would I have to cut the rhubard stick off first or put the whole thing in compost? Hope we have a rhubarb expert out there,
I don't know whether they would root or not but I doubt if it is really worth the trouble as you won't ever know hat the variety was. If it were a success in growing it will take several years before you have enough to pull and even then it may not suit you. Personally I only grow plants of known pedigree. I recommend Timperley Early as a good all-rounder or if you want one that is red all through get Stockbridge Arrow. Try to get it as a growing plant if possible, these sliced roots as sold by Marshalls and others can go mouldy before they become established. If only you were near enough I could give you plenty of rootstock as I shall have a large patch of Timperley Early to dig out as soon as other work allows.
Allan
Allan