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Dividing rhubarb plant

Rhubarb    UK

Quick question. I have a wonderful rhubarb plant that I promised to share with a friend so that she too could grow it in her garden. I had completely forgotten about this and now I fear I may be too late to divide the plant. Should I have done this in the autumn?


Posted by: Robyn (4 points) Robyn
Posted: February 5, 2013




Answers

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Rhubarb can divided in the autumn or in early spring as long as your plant is well established (4 or 5 years old is recommended). When the soil has thawed out, you can carefully dig up the crowns. This is, by nature, quite a destructive process but the plant will recover, just try to damage the roots as little as possible and be sure to leave buds intact. Using a spade, cut the root into sections each with 2 or 3 eyes which will grow shoots. Your friend can then transplant the root section into a hole dug in his or her own garden that is just slightly larger than the cutting. You might also want to take the opportunity while you are disturbing the plant to remove any rotted or diseased crowns, this will make for a healthier, happier plant!


Posted by: Lindsay McMenemy (4 points) Lindsay McMenemy
Posted: February 5, 2013




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Lucky you! I love rhubarb! As far as I know, you can divide you rhubarb plant in either Fall or in early Spring, so if the temperatures are on the rise in England then you can still give it to your friend. Can I have a piece too? :-)


Posted by: Maggie Muffins (1 point) Maggie Muffins
Posted: February 5, 2013


Robyn commented,
I'm actually in Scotland Muffins! It's still a wee bit chilly here, had snow last night so I don't think I'll be getting into the garden for a good few weeks yet. The plant is massive so you would be very welcome to some!
about 11 years ago.



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