A fruit we all know and love, high in vitamin K which is important for the bones and blood, the crowns should be allowed to mature for two years before cropping. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Easy to maintain
- Versatile
- Contains antioxidants
Rhubarb is an attractive plant with large leaves and colourful stalks containing anthocyanins, which yield its red colour and research shows give protection to blood vessels and blood pressure. It is great to have your own plant in the garden and once established can used in pies and crumbles for many years to come.
Plant Care
- Height: 30-60cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: White
- Flowering period: July - August
Rhubarb is a great plant to grow and once established will keep on providing juicy stems for years to come. Before planting, it is beneficial to add some well-rotted manure to the site to help improve the structure and fertility of the soil. Rhubarb likes a fairly sunny site with moist, free draining soil and doesn't like becoming water logged in winter. It appreciates a good feed in March and it is better to wait a couple of years before any serious harvesting is done to give the crown time to form properly and thick stems to be produced. In late summer when the leaves die, take them off and expose the crown to winter frosts which will help it produce better stems in the following year. Rhubarb can be grown in large containers.
Usage
The sharp acidic flavoured stems of this popular vegetable are used in many desserts, puddings, savoury dishes, ice creams, jams and chutneys. The leaves are not eaten due to their high oxalic acid content. Rhubarb also has a long medicinal history for use in treating constipation because of its mild purgative action.