Rhubarb, a low-maintenance plant with high rewards for those who cultivate it, has become a staple in British cuisine. Its iconic red and green stems are used in rhubarb and custard sweets, rhubarb crumble, and fruity jams, all inspired by its sweet yet sour flavour.
However, the fruit didn’t arrive in England until the 1600s when it was introduced for its medicinal properties. For those with leafy green rhubarb growing at home and wondering how to care for the plant as it bears delicious fruit, gardening experts at Thomson and Morgan have some advice. They’ve urged gardeners to “keep an eye on rhubarb plants” to ensure they’re receiving enough water.
Watering may seem like the simplest part of gardening, but it’s often where many people falter.
Merely relying on rainfall won’t suffice for those cultivating certain fruits and vegetables, including rhubarb.
The team at Thomson and Morgan suggest that “dry periods” can be detrimental to the plant as they affect the fruit, even if followed by rain.
“You don’t want the soil to completely dry out,” they cautioned.
However, watering rhubarb becomes slightly more complex depending on the variety of plant you’re growing, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.
Plants that have been growing for three years or more are considered established and seldom require watering.
However, younger plants and those in pots need regular watering to ensure a steady supply of tasty fruit throughout the summer.
When it comes to watering rhubarb, look for a sturdy crown, which is the base of the plant. It should possess firm, white roots.
Meanwhile, established rhubarb plants should be watered “only during prolonged dry periods in summer”.
If your soil is very light and drains freely, watering established plants is also advised.
The RHS added: “Growth will slow down and even stop if conditions are too hot and dry.”
Rhubarb grown in large pots or containers must be watered regularly throughout the growing season, typically from April to late summer.
All types of rhubarb plants can be prone to crown rot if the soil is consistently too wet, so make sure the soil has good drainage and avoid overwatering.
Before watering, check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the soil or using a moisture meter.
Applying mulch around the plant helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cooler, reducing the need for frequent watering.