When to divide rhubarb ....

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Annemieke, Jan 4, 2016.

  1. Annemieke

    Annemieke Gardener

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    I promised a neighbour a piece of my rhubarb plant. I was waiting for it to die down - but it won't! It is sprouting nice little rhubarb stalks again. Shall I chop off a piece for them now? Or should I give it a bit more time - the real cold might be still to come?
     
    Annemieke, Jan 4, 2016
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  2. Fern4

    Fern4 Total Gardener

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    I don't know Annemieke but I want to start growing rhubarb so I'll also be interested to know the answer from any rhubarb experts. :)
     
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  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I think now would be a good time, its pretty tough stuff.
     
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      pete, Jan 4, 2016
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    • Gay Gardener

      Gay Gardener Total Gardener

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      Yes agree with Pete, now is a good time, generally anytime when it is dormant. Of course this year is a bit crazy, mine also has the beginnings of new growth. But I have divided them earlier and later than this without problem. Just ensure that you get a good section of root and at least one 'bud' on each division.

      Good luck.
      GG
       
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        Gay Gardener, Jan 4, 2016
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      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        I agree with GG. Although this season things have gone crazy I'm sure you shouldn't have any problem. Don't wait any longer as the rhubarb is likely to continue to grow. Ours is already over 6" high.
         
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          shiney, Jan 4, 2016
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        • ARMANDII

          ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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          You'll probably be surprised about the size of the root and how hard the clumps of root are. Use the outer clumps to start again as they are the best. I usually divide my Rhubarb every six years or so as they tend to perform better.:coffee:
           
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            ARMANDII, Jan 4, 2016
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          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            I divide mine every 30 years or so. Third division due soon :old::lunapic 130165696578242 5:
             
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              shiney, Jan 5, 2016
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            • Annemieke

              Annemieke Gardener

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              "You'll probably be surprised about the size of the root and how hard the clumps of root are."

              I know: my first rhubarb I planted underneath our apple tree. When after a few years the apples started to suffer, I uprooted it totally.
               
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                Annemieke, Jan 6, 2016
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              • ARMANDII

                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                Well, sometimes gardeners do that because of lack of space but it's never a good thing to do as both plants end up competing with each other for nutrients and both end up losing out!!
                 
                ARMANDII, Jan 6, 2016
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              • Annemieke

                Annemieke Gardener

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                In this case it was definitely not the rhubarb which lost out!
                 
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                  Annemieke, Jan 6, 2016
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