| The cultivar 'Giant Cherry' is a hardy variety especially suitable for cool areas. Rhubarb is a perennial grown from a rhizome that has crinkled leaves and crimson red, edible leaf stalks. Rhubarb needs some winter chill to yield characteristic thick, red stems and does better where temperatures are cooler. Plant divisions containing at least one bud in early spring so that top of divisions are at soil line. Space 3 to 4 feet apart. Once rhubarb is planted, allow it to grow for two seasons, prior to harvesting. The following season, harvest leaf stalks for about 4 to 5 weeks and seasons thereafter, harvest period should last for about 8 weeks. Stalks are easily harvested by wiggling near base then pulling upward. Never harvest with a knife as this will often result in decay of stem. At final harvest, water and fertilize well, removing any flower blossoms that are present. |
