Establishing a healthy rhubarb patch begins not with seeds, but with planting a crown, which is the preferred and most reliable method for perennial growth. These crowns are essentially divisions of an established plant’s root system, offering a significant head start compared to slow-growing seedlings. Knowing where to source these root divisions and how to select a strong specimen is the first step toward a successful harvest. This guide will walk you through the various purchasing options and the key characteristics of a high-quality crown.
Local Retailers and Garden Centers
Purchasing rhubarb crowns from a local retailer, such as an independent nursery or a farm supply store, offers the advantage of immediate availability. This “brick-and-mortar” approach allows you to physically inspect the crown before you buy it, which is a major benefit for quality control. You can ensure the roots are firm and that the crown has not been damaged in transit or storage.
These local sources often carry varieties specifically suited to your regional climate, as they tailor their stock to local growing conditions. However, the selection of different cultivars, such as ‘Canada Red’ or ‘Valentine,’ is often limited compared to specialized vendors. Big box stores may also stock crowns, but their handling and storage conditions may not always be optimal for maintaining the plant’s dormancy and health.
Online and Mail-Order Specialists
Specialty online nurseries and traditional mail-order catalogs provide access to a much broader selection of rhubarb cultivars, including specific varieties like ‘McDonald’ or ‘Glaskin’s Perpetual.’ These vendors often focus on high-quality, disease-free stock, sometimes offering bare-root crowns that are shipped while completely dormant. This method of purchasing is convenient, allowing you to secure a preferred variety that may not be available locally.
When buying online, the crown arrives shipped in a box, often wrapped to retain moisture and ensure it remains dormant during transit. It is important to check seller reviews and guarantees, as the quality relies heavily on the vendor’s reputation and proper handling during the shipping process. Upon arrival, you should prepare to plant the crown promptly or store it correctly to maintain its viability until planting time.
Key Factors in Selecting Healthy Crowns
A high-quality rhubarb crown must display specific characteristics that indicate vigor. The most important feature to look for is the presence of at least two to three prominent, firm buds, often called “eyes,” which are the growing points for the stalks and leaves. These buds should be plump and show no signs of desiccation or shriveling. Choosing a crown with multiple well-formed eyes maximizes the plant’s potential for robust growth in the first few seasons.
The root system itself should feel firm and fleshy, not soft or mushy, which are signs of rot or fungal infection. Inspect the crown for any mold, mildew, or black, discolored areas, which could indicate disease. A healthy crown has a clean, solid appearance.
Selecting a variety known to thrive in your USDA hardiness zone will greatly improve the plant’s long-term health and yield. While color does not correlate with sweetness, you may prefer a variety like ‘Crimson Red’ for its deep color that holds up when cooked, or ‘Victoria’ for its large, productive stalks.
Optimal Timing for Purchase and Planting
The availability of bare-root rhubarb crowns is directly tied to their natural dormancy cycle, making early spring the most common and ideal time for purchase and planting. This is when the crown’s roots are still dormant, or the plant is just beginning to leaf out, allowing it to establish itself before the summer heat. Crowns are also sometimes available in late fall, after the plant’s tops have died back following the first heavy frost, for immediate planting in the winter.
Nurseries typically begin selling crowns as soon as the soil is workable. If you purchase a crown but cannot plant it immediately, it is important to keep the dormant division in a cool, dark location, such as a refrigerator or unheated garage. Ensure the roots remain slightly moist, perhaps by wrapping them in damp newspaper or peat moss, to prevent them from drying out before they are placed in the garden soil.