Growing Rhubarb in the South: A Complete Guide That Actually Works

Hey y’all! As a southern gardener who’s spent years experimenting with different crops, I know the challenges of growing rhubarb in our warm climate. Many folks say it can’t be done, but I’m here to tell you – it absolutely can! Let me share what I’ve learned about successfully growing this traditionally northern crop in our southern gardens.

Quick Answer

Yes you can grow rhubarb in the South! The key is selecting heat-tolerant varieties, providing afternoon shade and treating it differently than you would in cooler regions. While it takes some extra care, the reward of fresh homegrown rhubarb is worth it.

Best Varieties for Southern Gardens

I’ve found these varieties perform particularly well in our climate:

• Success – One of the sweetest varieties, thrives in hot weather
• Victoria – Reliable producer with good heat tolerance
• Canada Red – Deep red stalks, good flavor
• Valentine – Vibrant color, handles heat well
• MacDonald – Hardy variety with balanced flavor

Starting Your Rhubarb Garden

From Seeds vs. Crowns

In the South, starting from seeds actually works better than crowns. Here’s why:

• Seeds develop roots adapted to your local conditions
• Less expensive than crowns
• Higher success rate in warm climates
• Can be started year-round in most southern areas

Planting Tips

1. Soil Preparation:

   • Well-draining, loamy soil
   • pH between 6.0-6.8
   • Rich in organic matter
   • Raised beds work great

2. Spacing Requirements:

   • Plant 3 feet apart
   • Rows 4 feet apart
   • Consider mature size when planning

3. Location:

   • Afternoon shade is crucial
   • North side of buildings works well
   • Protection from strong winds

Care and Maintenance

Watering

Y’all, this is super important – rhubarb needs consistent moisture but hates wet feet:

• Water deeply but don’t overwater
• Keep soil moist but not soggy
• Use drip irrigation if possible
• Mulch heavily to retain moisture

Fertilizing Schedule

First year

• Apply balanced fertilizer at planting
• Feed again mid-season
• Final feeding in late fall

Subsequent years

• Early spring feeding
• Mid-summer boost
• Fall preparation feeding

Temperature Management

Here’s my secret sauce for keeping rhubarb happy in southern heat:

• Use shade cloth during peak summer
• Heavy mulching (4-6 inches)
• Plant on mounds for better drainage
• Consider it a 9-month crop rather than year-round

Harvesting Your Rhubarb

When to Harvest

• Wait until stalks are 12-18 inches long
• Don’t harvest first year plants
• Peak season varies by region
• Look for deep red coloring

Proper Harvesting Technique

Do’s:

• Pull and twist stalks at base
• Remove leaves immediately
• Leave at least 1/3 of stalks on plant
• Harvest early morning

Don’ts:

• Don’t cut stalks
• Never eat the leaves (toxic!)
• Don’t harvest more than 2/3 of plant
• Avoid harvesting during extreme heat

Common Problems and Solutions

Heat Stress

• Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves
• Solution: Additional shade, increased mulch

Poor Growth

• Symptoms: Thin stalks, weak plants
• Solution: Better fertilization, soil amendment

Flowering

• Symptoms: Seed stalks forming
• Solution: Remove flower stalks immediately

Storage Tips

Fresh rhubarb keeps well if stored properly:

• Clean stalks thoroughly
• Wrap in damp paper towels
• Store in plastic bag in fridge
• Uses within 2 weeks
• Can be frozen for up to 1 year

Final Thoughts

Growing rhubarb in the South ain’t impossible – it just needs some extra TLC. I’ve been growing it successfully for years now, and the satisfaction of pulling those first stalks of the season makes it all worthwhile. Remember, gardening is about experimenting and learning what works in your specific location.

If y’all are thinking about trying rhubarb, I say go for it! Start with seeds, give them some afternoon shade, and keep an eye on the moisture levels. Before you know it, you’ll be making your own southern-grown rhubarb pies!

Want more southern gardening tips? Drop a comment below or sign up for our newsletter. Happy gardening, y’all!

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Note: This guide is based on personal experience and research. Results may vary depending on your specific climate and conditions.

The key to successful rhubarb cultivation lies in proper planting, soil preparation, and consistent care. Rhubarb thrives in cool climates with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Planting in early spring or fall, ensuring good drainage, and enriching the soil with organic matter are crucial steps.