How to Grow Rhubarb in Colorado in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Growing rhubarb in Colorado offers gardeners the opportunity to cultivate a hardy, perennial vegetable that thrives in the state's unique climate.
With its vibrant stalks and tart flavor, rhubarb is a delightful addition to pies, jams, and savory dishes.
This guide provides detailed information on selecting the right varieties, preparing your garden, planting, caring for, and harvesting rhubarb in Colorado's diverse environments.
Understanding Rhubarb in Colorado
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a cool-season perennial that flourishes in Colorado's temperate climate. It requires a period of winter dormancy to produce optimal yields, making it well-suited for high-altitude and mountainous regions. In Colorado, rhubarb typically begins to emerge in early spring and can produce multiple harvests through early summer, with some varieties offering a fall crop as well .
Selecting the Right Rhubarb Varieties
Choosing the appropriate rhubarb variety is crucial for successful cultivation in Colorado. Recommended varieties include:
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Victoria: Known for its large, tender stalks and reliable performance.
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Canada Red: Offers deep red stalks with excellent flavor.
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Turkish: Noted for its unique color and texture.
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Colorado Red: Specifically bred for Colorado's climate, ensuring robust growth.
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Strawberry: Features sweet-tasting stalks with a pink hue.
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MacDonald: A hardy variety with good disease resistance .
These varieties are well-suited to Colorado's growing conditions and can yield abundant harvests.
Preparing Your Garden for Rhubarb
Rhubarb thrives in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Follow these steps to prepare your garden:
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Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Rhubarb prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 .
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Soil Amendment: Incorporate compost or well-aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
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Site Selection: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Rhubarb can tolerate partial shade but will produce better yields in full sun .
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Spacing: Plant rhubarb crowns 3 to 4 feet apart to allow ample space for growth .
Planting Rhubarb in Colorado
The best time to plant rhubarb in Colorado is early spring, once the soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Here's how to plant:
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Planting Depth: Place the crown of the rhubarb plant 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface.
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Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing at planting time. Begin fertilization with a balanced fertilizer once new growth appears .
Caring for Rhubarb Plants
Proper care ensures healthy growth and productive rhubarb plants:
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Watering: Rhubarb requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply to encourage deep root development.
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Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer to support growth.
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Weed Control: Keep the area around rhubarb plants free from weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
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Mulching: Maintain a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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Flower Removal: If flower stalks appear, remove them promptly to prevent energy diversion from stalk production .
Harvesting Rhubarb
Rhubarb can be harvested once the plant is established, typically in its second year. Follow these guidelines:
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Harvest Timing: Begin harvesting in early spring when stalks are at least 12 inches long.
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Harvest Method: Grasp the base of a stalk, pull downward, and twist to detach it from the crown. Do not cut the stalks, as this can damage the plant.
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Harvest Quantity: Limit harvesting to one-third of the plant's total stalks to ensure continued healthy growth.
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End of Season: Cease harvesting by early summer to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy .
Winterizing Rhubarb
To protect rhubarb plants during Colorado's cold winters:
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Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots.
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Snow Cover: Allow natural snow cover to provide additional insulation.
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Wind Protection: Use barriers to shield plants from desiccating winds.
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Avoid Disturbance: Refrain from disturbing the crown during winter months to prevent damage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Be aware of potential challenges when growing rhubarb in Colorado:
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Flowering (Bolting): Early flowering can occur due to stress or plant maturity. Remove flower stalks promptly to redirect energy to stalk production .
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Pests and Diseases: While rhubarb is relatively pest-resistant, monitor for aphids and crown rot. Ensure proper spacing and air circulation to reduce disease risk.
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Soil pH: If stalk color is lacking, test soil pH. Rhubarb prefers slightly acidic soil. Amend with sulfur if necessary to adjust pH .
Extending the Growing Season
To maximize rhubarb production:
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Forcing: Use a rhubarb forcer or a large pot to cover the plant, encouraging early growth and tender, sweet stalks .
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Season Extension: Employ row covers or cold frames to protect plants from early frosts and extend the growing season.
Growing rhubarb in Colorado is a rewarding endeavor that, with proper care and attention, can yield delicious results year after year. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing your garden thoughtfully, and adhering to best practices for planting, care, and harvesting, you can enjoy the unique flavors of homegrown rhubarb. Remember to consider Colorado's specific climate challenges and opportunities to ensure a successful rhubarb cultivation experience. Happy gardening!
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