Q.
I am about to replant a rhubarb that has been in a small container for the last 15 months while we build. The plant is not looking so great at the moment although I have kept it watered and snail free. What would be best to get the plant back to flourishing and producing well once back in the ground. Thanks Robyn.
A.
The plants are probably due to be transplanted as they have outgrown their container and run out of nutrients. Plant your rhubarb into well rotted organic matter such as compost, rotted lawn clippings, sheep pellet or animal manure, they enjoy a cool moist root run and semi shade, with cool roots they will handle full sun. Place some sheep pellets into a mesh stocking or similar and keep submerged in a bucket of water, regularly feed your rhubarb with this liquid feed every 7-14 days and you will see the difference over time. Also Seasol seaweed based plant tonic will also help bring your plant back to life. Place 30ml in a watering can and apply every 7 days until the plant perks up, then do it every 2-4 weeks.
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What do I feed my Rhubarb after Transplanting? Comments
My rhubarb has been limp for some time now it usually is very stout and upright. What should I do to correct it?
terry francis Wood
I have several rhubarb plants that do not do very well, their stems are skinny(not big and fat like others I see) so I will follow your hint about watering and sheep pellets. Question, is rhubarb fussy about where it is planted?
Karen Ngatai
I have found that " chooky poo " really gets my rhubarb producing after a cutting
Logan Wilson
Hi Terry, It could be that it is too hot and sunny, rhubarb enjoy cool moist well drained soil conditions. Soil rich in organic matter such as compost, and any well rotted organic matter is ideal. While the plants will grow in full sun with the right soil conditions they do prefer partial shade. Is the plant being overwatered? Underwatered? On hot sunny days they will wilt. During the growing season feed rhubarb with a general garden fertiliser, sheep pellets are also ideal. Generally Rhubarb are pest and disease free and aren’t troubled by much but can be susceptible to a root rot disorder – dig around the crown and see if it is rotting – if it is, the best thing to do is discard the plant and get a new one. If the crown is buried too deep that can cause root rot disorders. Rhubarb is also susceptible to rust – have a look on the underside of the leaves and see if there are small dots – they could be rusty orange or dark. Thanks, Jenna - Tui Team
jenna
Hi Karen, they prefer cooler growing conditions in a semi shaded spot. In the right soil they will grow in full sun ? a soil rich in organic matter and well drained. Feed the plants regularly during the growing season with a general garden fertiliser and sheep pellets ? and keep them well watered in summer. Also see reply above to Terry. Thanks, Jenna - Tui Team
jenna