RHUBARB CULTIVATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 68, 11 June 1927, Page 24 (Supplement)

RHUBARB CULTIVATION

(Rheum). This genus consists of aoout 20 species of large-leafed herbs with thick, fleshy roots. Most of these are natives of Central Asia and the Himalayas. The varieties that thrive best in Auckland are Topps Winter, a thin red.stemmed variety, very sweet, and Giant Victoria, the large-stemmed or summer variety. These varieties are said to have sprung from Rheum Rhaponticum and R. Undulatim. Both are natives of Siberia.

Rhubarb is very easy of cultivation. It succeeds best in rich, deep soil well dug - and drained. Plenty of rotted stable manure trenched under the roots makes all the difference between good and bad stems. Rhubarb is a gross feeder and requires plenty of water and liquid manure. The roots rarely suffer from any disease, and so long as the crowns are kept free from weeds they will continue to bear fruit for a long period. The roots should be planted with the crowns buried about 2in. under the soil 3ft. apart in the rows, and 3ft. to 4ft. between-the rows in a light position. The plant should never be allowed to flower, and the flower stalk should be cut away as soon as it makes its appearance. When the stalks are ready for using never cut them from the plant. The stalks are bent downward and jerked up from the crown of the plants, taking care not to bring up the curved pink portion at the bottom. They should never be broken off and left, as this is detrimental to the plant.