Rhubarb is a hardy perennial vegetable that thrives in cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in Minnesota. Known for its tart, tangy stalks used in pies, jams, and sauces, rhubarb requires proper care to flourish in the Midwestern climate. If you’re wondering how to successfully grow and maintain rhubarb plants in Minnesota, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from planting to harvesting and winter care.
Before diving into care specifics, it’s essential to understand what rhubarb needs to grow well:
Minnesota’s climate aligns well with rhubarb’s requirements — cold winters provide necessary chilling hours, and warm summers encourage growth. However, certain challenges like soil type variation and fluctuating weather patterns mean gardeners need to pay attention to specific care techniques.
The best time to plant rhubarb crowns or divisions in Minnesota is early spring, as soon as the ground is workable—usually late April to early May. You can also plant in the fall (September or October) if you want the roots established before winter. However, spring planting is more common.
Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Rhubarb grows well along garden edges or raised beds where drainage is good. Avoid low spots where water collects because rhubarb roots can rot if overly wet.
Rhubarb needs consistent moisture but don’t let it sit in soggy soil. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. During dry spells, water deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering.
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves around the plants after they’ve started growing. Mulch helps:
Feed rhubarb plants twice per season:
Avoid excessive nitrogen which encourages leaf growth over stalk development.
Keep your rhubarb patch weed-free by hand-pulling or hoeing carefully without damaging roots. Mulching also significantly reduces weed pressure.
Rhubarb is generally pest-resistant but watch for:
Regular inspection helps catch problems early.
Wait until the second year after planting for the first harvest; this allows plants to establish strong roots. In subsequent years:
Never remove more than one-third of the stalks at a time during the growing season—overharvesting stresses plants and reduces future yields.
Only eat the stalks; rhubarb leaves contain toxic oxalic acid and should never be consumed.
Despite its hardiness, rhubarb benefits from some winter protection:
After fall foliage dies back:
Apply an extra thick layer (4-6 inches) of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips over crowns once ground freezes. This mulch insulates roots from temperature fluctuations common in Minnesota winters.
Every 5 to 7 years, rhubarb plants may become crowded or less productive. Division rejuvenates them:
Dividing also provides new plants for expanding your garden or sharing with others.
Possible causes:
Check soil moisture levels; improve drainage if soil stays saturated. Avoid overwatering.
Fungal diseases can cause spotting—remove infected leaves promptly and ensure good airflow by proper spacing.
Growing rhubarb successfully in Minnesota is achievable with attentive care tailored to local conditions. Early spring planting, proper site selection, consistent watering, mulching, regular fertilization, and protecting plants through harsh winters are key practices that will yield delicious stalks year after year.
By understanding your garden’s unique environment and following these proven tips for rhubarb care in Minnesota, you’ll enjoy bountiful harvests of this versatile perennial vegetable—and perhaps even start new traditions centered around homemade rhubarb treats!