Rhubarb

Hi everyone, I'd like to grow some rhubarb for my wife, is it possible to grow it in containers? And if so what would be the best variety? Thanks.

 

I was looking into this yesterday too (completely new gardener here by the way so may not have much in the way of knowledge to offer) and concluded that it is possible to grow in very large pots.

I only have room for one very large pot that I have sown some squash into this year but may try Rhubarb here next year.

By all accounts it would need a sunny spot and may need watering more often than it would do otherwise as it’s in a pot when the weather is dry.

 

Thanks @cinnamon:g I've read a 20" pots are best, just looking for the best variety now.

 

I grow 'champagne' rhubarb in a half barrel container in a semi shaded area.
It gives a good crop.
The larger your tub, the better the yield

 

A couple of years ago. I purchased some square planters 20/24" plastic type moulded. Cost me about £4.00 each from local B&Q

 

@Jymi riddler and @Mike Allen Thanks for the input, I think I'll give "champagne" a try.

 

I leave shopping mainly to mrs JR in the current covid times (she's just better at it)
However i did venture into a leading supermarket with her the other day.
What made me smile was the high price they were charging for a few sticks of rhubarb.
We've been giving it away all summer to friends and family.
We've also put some in the freezer..i like an apple n rhubarb crumble in the depths of winter.
It is such an easy and rewarding plant to grow given half a chance and enough space.
Even a total beginner could get a patch going without too much hassle.

 

My champagne plugs arrived last Friday, I allowed them to recover out of full sun for a few days as prescribed then potted them up on bank holiday Monday, I'm not particularly happy with how they look should i be concerned?

 

I wouldn't worry to much they are plug plants after all, protect from slugs . They would be better in the ground to be honest when they are bigger. If you are using pots use a soil based compost ( john innes no3 ) or even soil out of the garden they are hungry plants they can develop quite thick yellow roots so they may go through the pot into the ground.

Do not harvest anything next year they need to build up their strength . You may harvest a little or not at all 2nd year depending on how well the plant is doing . By the 3rd year they are usually good for harvesting regularly , give them a rest after June but I do get a couple more stems in July its so you don't wear the plant out . I mulch mine in spring and feed them Bone meal and feed again during summer .

 

They'll no doubt disappear soon but don't worry. Keep them in a frost free place and up they'll pop in the early spring.

 

Thanks @Perki & @JR I shall only be a few months off retirement when they're ready for harvest, not sure which I'm looking forward to the most

 

I've recently retired and i can fully recommend it!
As for rhubarb crumble.. What's not to like.
Mrs JR does it in a vitrous enamel baking tin, and the juice caramelises around the edge as it cooks.. Lurvly