Rhubarb is a hardy perennial vegetable grown for its tart, edible leaf stalks. Transplanting is a necessary practice, serving either to propagate a healthy patch or to relocate an established crown that has become overcrowded or less productive. Dividing and moving the crown ensures the plant maintains its vigor and leads to a more fruitful harvest.
Optimal Timing and Site Preparation
The best time to transplant rhubarb is during the plant’s dormant period, either in early spring just as new growth begins or in late fall after the foliage has died back. Moving the plant while dormant reduces physiological stress, allowing the crown to focus energy on root establishment. Fall transplanting allows the plant to settle over winter, while spring moving utilizes naturally moist soil conditions.
The new planting location should receive full sun (at least six hours daily) to ensure vigorous stalk production. Rhubarb thrives in fertile, well-drained soil, as it is susceptible to crown rot in waterlogged conditions. Prepare the site by loosening the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches and incorporating generous organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. This amendment provides the rich nutrients and improved drainage required for a healthy start.
Dividing the Rhubarb Crown
To begin, carefully lift the established rhubarb crown from the soil using a garden fork to minimize root damage. Work around the perimeter to gently loosen the entire root mass. Once the crown is free, shake or rinse it lightly to remove excess soil and expose the root structure and developing buds.
The crown should then be divided using a sharp spade, heavy knife, or hatchet, as the root mass can be dense and woody. The objective is to create individual divisions, each containing at least one large, visible bud, often called an “eye,” and a substantial portion of the root system. A division without a bud will not grow into a new plant. Inspect the original crown and discard any old, woody, or diseased central sections, as these parts will not produce strong new growth.
Replanting and Establishing New Crowns
Replant the newly created divisions immediately to prevent the roots from drying out and causing transplant shock. Dig a wide planting hole to comfortably accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them. Position the crown so the bud sits just at or slightly below the soil surface, covered by no more than one to two inches of soil.
Proper spacing is necessary for the plant’s mature size, so place each new crown approximately three to four feet apart. After backfilling the hole, gently firm the earth around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the new plants thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil and ensure consistent moisture.
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the crown to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. The newly transplanted rhubarb must not be harvested during its first full growing season. This period of rest is necessary for the plant to fully establish a deep root system and store energy for productive harvests in subsequent years.