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ailing rhubarb #569075

Asked June 10, 2019, 3:49 PM EDT

My rhubarb bolted earlier this year. Now the leaves are large but stalks are thin and no red color. It has new growth but looks sickly.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

How old is the plant? I have lots of rhubarb in my yard and it does need to be lifted and divided periodically. Rhubarb is considered a heavy feeder so fertilizing with organic lawn fertilizer (no weed & feed). It prefers slightly acidic soil conditions (5.5-6.5) which is likely not a problem around here. It also needs well-drained soil.

I would recommend in the fall that you lift the crown and divide it or simply divide it and share the rest with gardening friends.

OSU extension has this article for overall care  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec797/html

 and I also found this article from Purdue about how to deal with boltinghttps://extension.purdue.edu/article/32092  
Regards and happy gardening! Replied June 12, 2019, 12:17 PM EDT

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