Can I Grow Rhubarb In A Pot? What To Know
So, you've seen those vibrant stalks at the farmers market. Maybe you've even braved a rhubarb pie. But you're wondering, can this tart, tangy wonder actually live in a pot? Like, on your balcony? Or on your patio? The answer, my friend, is a resounding YES!
Growing rhubarb in a pot is totally doable. And honestly? It's pretty darn fun. Forget sprawling garden beds. We're talking about bringing this quirky vegetable-fruit-thing to your urban jungle. Think of it as a little patch of tart happiness, no matter how small your space.
Now, before you go grabbing the first pot you see, there are a few things to suss out. It’s not rocket science, but a little know-how makes all the difference. We want happy rhubarb, not grumpy, stunted rhubarb, right?
Size Matters (For Pots, Anyway!)
First off, your pot needs to be a decent size. Rhubarb has a big personality. And big roots. We're not talking about a tiny succulent pot here. Think large. Like, big. Think about something that could hold a small child comfortably. Okay, maybe not a child, but a really, really large plant.
A minimum of 15-20 gallons is a good starting point. Bigger is always better. Why? Because those roots need room to spread out and do their thing. A cramped pot is a sad pot. And sad rhubarb doesn't produce much tart goodness.
Materials matter too. Terracotta pots look lovely, but they dry out faster. Plastic pots retain moisture better, which can be a good thing, but make sure they have good drainage. Drainage holes are non-negotiable! We don't want soggy roots. Soggy roots = root rot. And nobody wants that.
What Kind of Rhubarb Are We Talking About?
There are different varieties of rhubarb. Some are bred for larger yields, some for specific colors. For pot growing, you're generally looking for a standard variety. You can usually find bare-root crowns at garden centers or online in the spring. This is the most common way to start.
When you get your bare root, it looks a bit like a weird, knobby potato with reddish bits. Don't be alarmed! That's the good stuff. You're looking for healthy buds. These are future stalks of deliciousness.
Planting Your Potty Rhubarb
When you get your bare-root crown, give it a good soak in water for a few hours. Then, fill your giant pot with a good quality potting mix. Don't use garden soil in pots; it compacts too much. You want something airy and well-draining.
Dig a hole in the center of your potting mix, just big enough for the root. Place the crown in the hole so that the buds are pointing upwards, and the soil level comes up to just cover them. We don't want to bury the buds too deep. Just a light dusting of soil is perfect. Give it a good watering.
Now, here's a funny quirk about rhubarb: it's a perennial. This means it comes back year after year. Pretty neat, right? It's a long-term commitment, but a rewarding one. You'll be harvesting rhubarb for years to come from that same pot.
Sun, Sun, Glorious Sun!
Rhubarb loves the sun. Like, loves it. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you have a sunny balcony or patio, you're golden. If your space is a bit shadier, it might still grow, but you might get fewer stalks, and they might not be as vibrant.
Think of it as a sun-worshipping, tart-loving plant. It's soaking up all that solar power to fuel those energetic stalks. So, pick the sunniest spot you have for your potted rhubarb.
Watering Wisdom
Consistency is key with watering. Rhubarb likes to stay evenly moist, but not waterlogged. In pots, this can be a bit of a balancing act. Hot, sunny days will dry out your pot faster. Check the soil with your finger. If the top inch or two feels dry, it's time to water.
Water deeply until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. This encourages those roots to grow down. Don't just give it a little sprinkle. A good, thorough soak is what it needs.
Overwatering is a common pitfall. Remember those drainage holes? They are your best friend. If your pot is sitting in a saucer of water, empty it out. Rhubarb is not an aquatic plant, despite its love for moisture.
Feeding Your Fiery Friend
Rhubarb is a hungry plant. In pots, where nutrients can get depleted faster, you'll want to feed it. A good all-purpose organic fertilizer applied in the spring, when new growth starts to appear, is a great idea.
You can also top-dress with compost. This is like giving your rhubarb a delicious, nutrient-rich smoothie. It'll thank you with more stalks. Just don't overdo it. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
The Waiting Game (and the First Harvest)
Here’s where patience comes in. When you first plant your rhubarb crown, you should resist the urge to harvest it in its first year. Let it establish its roots. Think of it as a baby plant. It needs time to grow strong and healthy.
In its second year, you can start harvesting. But even then, be gentle. Harvest about one-third of the stalks. This ensures the plant has enough energy to keep producing.
How do you harvest? You twist and pull the stalks from the base. Don't cut them with a knife, as this can damage the plant. It's a satisfying, slightly rustic way to gather your bounty.
And what do you do with it? Oh, the possibilities! Rhubarb is amazing in pies, crumbles, jams, and even savory sauces. It has this wonderful tartness that balances sweetness beautifully. Just remember, only the stalks are edible. The leaves are poisonous, so keep those away from curious kiddos and pets.
Winter Woes (or Lack Thereof!)
Rhubarb is tough. Even in a pot, it can handle a good chill. In colder climates, you'll want to protect your potted rhubarb over winter. You can move the pot to a more sheltered location, like against a wall, or wrap the pot in burlap or bubble wrap.
Some people even bury their pots in the ground over winter for extra insulation. If you live in a very cold region, you might want to bring it into an unheated garage or shed. The key is to protect the roots from prolonged freezing.
When spring arrives, and the last frost has passed, you can bring your rhubarb back out into the sunshine. It's like magic! That sleepy plant will wake up and start sending up new stalks.
Why It's Just Plain Fun
Growing rhubarb in a pot is a little bit rebellious. It’s saying, “I can grow delicious, homegrown food, even without a giant garden.” It’s also a conversation starter. People will see your giant pot with its impressive stalks and ask, “What IS that?”
It’s a taste of something old-school, something a bit wild. And the satisfaction of picking your own rhubarb and turning it into something delicious? Priceless. So, go ahead. Get yourself a big pot, some good soil, and a rhubarb crown. Your taste buds (and your inner gardener) will thank you.