How to Transplant Rhubarb Plants

Learn the best time and method for successfully transplanting rhubarb.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• rhubarb
• compost
• peat moss
• garden spot or large container (>12" diameter)
• sharp spade

1. Early spring, before new growth starts, is the best time to transplant rhubarb. If this is not possible, late fall will work also. Either way, the weather should be cool and the ground should not be frozen.

2. Using a sharp spade, carefully dig up and separate new rhubarb shoots/buds from the mother crown of the rhubarb plant.

3. Replant rhubarb pieces with at least one healthy shoot or bud at a depth of 4 to 6 inches in well-draining soil mixed with compost or peat moss and moisten the soil, the new spot should receive full sun.

4. Each replanting will require about 3 feet of space around it.

5. For the optimum health of your rhubarb plants, divide them (and replant) every 4 to 5 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Rhubarb can be grown in containers, which should measure at least 12 inches in diameter for each plant. Like a garden spot, the rhubarb container needs to be well-drained and in full sun.
• Rhubarb will take over whenever and wherever possible, so be sure to make sure your rhubarb plants have the space they need and desperately want.

Resources

• NDSU Extension Questions on Rhubarb
• Iowa State University Extension on Rhubarb
• The Rhubarb Compendium