Rhubarb in the 'Burbs: From Humble Seedling to Crumble King (or Queen)
So you've been eyeing off those fancy rhubarb crumbles at the bakery, all those jewel-toned crimson stalks begging to be transformed into sweet and tart deliciousness. Well, look no further, Melbournian veggie enthusiast! Because growing your own rhubarb is easier than dodging a rogue tram on Flinders Street. Let's dive in and get your hands dirty, shall we?
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| How To Grow Rhubarb In Melbourne |
Finding Your Rhubarb Real Estate
First things first, where's your rhubarb going to call home? Melbourne might be known for its moody weather, but rhubarb isn't too fussy. Ideally, find a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade. Think of it as your own personal rhubarb retreat – sunshine for morning stretches, then a shady spot for an afternoon snooze (don't worry, the plant will do the snoozing, not you).
Potted Palace or Garden Grandeur?
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Rhubarb can be a happy chappy in either a pot or the garden bed. If you're short on space, a large pot (think 500mm wide and deep) will do the trick. Just remember, bigger is always better when it comes to root room! For a sprawling rhubarb kingdom in the garden, dig a good-sized hole and make sure the soil drains well. Rhubarb doesn't like its feet wet, so if your soil is a bit on the clay-heavy side, chuck in some sand or compost to lighten things up.
From Tiny Seedling to Rhubarb Royalty
There are two ways to get your rhubarb empire going: seeds or crowns. Seeds are the budget-friendly option, but it'll take a little longer (think a year or so) before you can harvest those glorious stalks. Crowns, on the other hand, are basically pre-grown rhubarb root systems and will get you harvesting quicker (usually in the second year).
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Whichever way you choose, planting time is key. In Melbourne, aim for winter (around July-August) when things are a bit cooler.
Seed Starting Shenanigans:
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
If you're a seed-sowing superstar, get your seeds going in some seed raising mix indoors. Once they're a decent size, transplant them to their final destination.
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The Royal Crown Treatment:
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For those opting for crowns, gently tease apart the roots and plant them with the "eyes" (those little pink buds) facing upwards. Don't bury them too deep – just a light covering of soil will do.
Keeping Your Rhubarb Realm Thriving
Now that your rhubarb is all settled in, it's time to give it some TLC. Here's the lowdown:
- Water Wisely: Rhubarb likes a good drink, but don't drown it! Water regularly, especially during the warmer months, but let the soil dry out a bit between drinks.
- Feed the Beast: Rhubarb is a hungry fellow, so give it a good feed with compost or organic fertiliser every few months.
- Mulch it Up: A layer of mulch around the base of your plant will help retain moisture and keep those pesky weeds at bay.
Harvesting Royalty:
Patience is a virtue, my friend! Don't even think about harvesting those stalks in the first year. Let your rhubarb plant establish itself and grow strong. In the second year, you can start harvesting sparingly. Here's the trick: only pick the thickest outer stalks, and never cut them off. Instead, gently pull them away from the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth.
Rhubarb FAQ:
- How long does it take to grow rhubarb? From seed, it can take about a year before you can harvest. Crowns will get you harvesting quicker, usually in the second year.
- Can I eat the rhubarb leaves? Absolutely not! Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, so stick to the stalks for your culinary creations.
- Why are my rhubarb stalks thin and spindly? This could be a sign your rhubarb isn't getting enough sun. Give it a bit more sunshine love!
- How often should I water my rhubarb? Water regularly, but don't drown it. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- For how long can I harvest rhubarb? With proper care, your rhubarb plant can keep producing delicious stalks for up to 10 years!
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