The term “strawberry rhubarb plant” often suggests a single, combined botanical entity, yet it actually refers to two distinct plants: strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) and rhubarb (Rheum x hybridum). These are frequently cultivated together due to their complementary growth requirements and shared culinary uses. Both plants offer rewarding yields for home gardeners, providing fresh ingredients for a variety of dishes.
The “Strawberry Rhubarb Plant” Explained
Strawberries and rhubarb are commonly grown together due to similar environmental conditions. Both prefer sites receiving full sun, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They also flourish in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Their growth habits complement each other in a garden setting. Strawberries typically spread by sending out runners, forming a groundcover, while rhubarb grows as a large, upright perennial with broad leaves. This difference in form allows them to coexist efficiently without competing for the same vertical space. Historically, their flavors have been paired in numerous recipes, reinforcing their combined presence in gardens and kitchens.
Cultivating Strawberries
Successful strawberry cultivation begins with selecting the appropriate variety for your climate and desired harvest time. June-bearing strawberries produce a single, large crop over two to three weeks, typically in early summer. Everbearing varieties yield two smaller crops, one in late spring and another in late summer or early fall, while day-neutral types can produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, provided temperatures remain between 35°F and 85°F.
Strawberries grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5, although some varieties can tolerate a pH up to 6.8. The soil should be well-drained, sandy loam, and amended with organic matter to improve fertility and moisture retention. Planting is best done in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Strawberry plants require consistent moisture, about 1 to 2 inches of water per week during active growing and fruiting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watering in the morning allows foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, thrips, and slugs, while diseases like Botrytis fruit rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can affect plants. Proper air circulation, mulching with straw to suppress weeds and retain moisture, and removing runners from June-bearing varieties in the first year help maintain plant health.
Cultivating Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial vegetable that can provide harvests for many years, making site selection important. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, though full sun promotes more vigorous growth. The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Heavy clay soils should be amended to improve drainage, as waterlogged conditions can lead to crown rot.
Rhubarb crowns should be planted in early spring or fall, with the bud of the crown about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Adequate spacing is important, with plants placed 2 to 4 feet apart, as they can form large clumps. Young rhubarb plants and those in containers require regular watering to establish their deep root systems.
Once established, rhubarb is relatively drought tolerant, but deep watering during prolonged dry spells will support continued production. Applying well-rotted compost or manure around the plants each spring provides necessary nutrients, but care should be taken not to bury the crown. Overwintering care involves allowing the foliage to die back naturally, providing the necessary cold period for new spring growth.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Yield
Harvesting strawberries involves picking ripe, fully colored berries and detaching them with their caps still attached to prolong freshness. This encourages the plant to produce more fruit. Rhubarb stalks are ready for harvest when they are 12 to 18 inches long and at least 3/4-inch in diameter.
To harvest rhubarb, grasp the base of the stalk and pull it away from the plant with a gentle twist, rather than cutting it. Avoid consuming rhubarb leaves, as they contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, which can be harmful if ingested. The stalks are safe and commonly used with strawberries in culinary applications like pies, jams, crumbles, and sauces, creating a classic flavor pairing.