Do You Cut Back Rhubarb in the Fall?
Do you prune rhubarb in the autumn?
A frequent gardening query then arises as fall draws near and the big, lush leaves of your rhubarb start to wither: should you cut back rhubarb in the fall? Like many others in horticulture, the answer has a few subtleties; but, overall, proper fall maintenance significantly contributes to a strong rhubarb crop.
It’s wise to cut back all the old rhubarb stalks as near to the crown as feasible when the leaves start to die back. This exposes the buds of the plant, which are necessary for strong development come spring, and clears away spent foliage. As they emerge throughout the growing season, always remove any seeds or flower stems as they can drain the plant’s energy and possibly make the rhubarb sour.
Give your rhubarb a boost for the dormant period following cutting back. As a mulch, a 2-3 inch layer of well-rotted manure around the crown is excellent. Retaining soil moisture, this organic layer helps retain it; it also suppresses weeds that may compete for nutrients and gradually releases important minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil. Just be sure to remove any existing weeds before you mulch. Though some gardeners just let their rhubarb fade back naturally, these fall preparation tasks—cutting back, mulching, and weeding—are essential for feeding the plant and guaranteeing a strong and bright harvest next season.
FAQs
Why should rhubarb be cut back in the autumn?
Cutting back rhubarb in the autumn improves its general plant vigor, vitality, and productivity. It lets the plant concentrate its energy on creating robust roots, which improves development and raises output the next year.
When is the best time to cut back rhubarb?
Usually between October and December in mild regions, the best season to prune rhubarb is in the autumn. This scheduling guarantees the plant has stored adequate energy reserves before entering hibernation over winter and has finished its natural growth cycle.
Which parts of the rhubarb plant have to be clipped?
Concentrate on getting rid of damaged, yellowed, or dead leaves and stalks. Make sure not to cut into the crown itself and trim these stalks to a height of 2-3 inches above the crown.
How should pruned rhubarb leaves be discarded?
Preventing the spread of illnesses starts with proper disposal. Composting is a fantastic choice because the oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves breaks down safely during the composting procedure. You might instead dump the vegetation in sealed plastic bags.
After cutting back my rhubarb plant in the autumn, how should I care for it?
Following trimming, surround the roots of the plant with a layer of mulch to prevent damage from severe winter weather and aid to retain soil moisture. For cold regions, think about adding additional winter cover such as straw or burlap. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in late autumn or early spring to replenish nutrients and encourage robust growth for the next year.