Rhubarb crowns and established rhubarb in a garden border for a HIP Toolbox guide

How to Grow Rhubarb Crowns and Force Early Stems

Difficulty 3/10
Time Ongoing
Tools fork compost mulch forcing pot

Project Overview

Rhubarb is a classic UK garden crop that rewards patience. Give crowns a permanent, fertile spot and let them establish before taking heavy harvests.

Safety Note

Only rhubarb stems are eaten. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous and must not be eaten or fed to pets. Wear gloves when handling crowns and wash stems before cooking.

What You Need

  • Rhubarb crown
  • Fork or spade
  • Compost or well-rotted manure
  • Mulch
  • Forcing pot or dark cover if forcing

Method

  1. Choose a long-term position with fertile, moisture-retentive soil.
  2. Plant the crown with buds near the soil surface.
  3. Water in and mulch around, not over, the crown.
  4. Let the plant establish before harvesting strongly.
  5. Force only mature plants and allow recovery afterwards.

Common Mistakes

Harvesting too much too soon weakens the crown. Covering the crown with wet mulch can encourage rot.

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