Planting Rhubarb Plants

Q: I was given a rhubarb “stump” to plant. I don’t have a clue how or where to plant rhubarb. Does it need special care? I don’t have a vegetable garden but thought it would look good in amongst my flower garden. What do you think?

I live on Vancouver Island, in the Comox Valley. Our house is situated high on a hill, and we find our climate is quite different than others who live nearer the water. We got snow this past winter when others in the valley didn’t.

Incidentally, I would love to see an article on gardening in the Comox Valley. It is quite a diverse climate area I think and would make an interesting study. What do you think?

Rhubarb (Rheum cv.) can be incorporated into a border. Plant the root (rhizome) in well-amended composted soil at a depth of about 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) deep. Apply a layer of mulch on the surface at least once a year. Fertilize at least three times: before growth is spring, after growth starts and after harvest. No harvesting the first year; gradual harvesting from the end of March to the end of June. Do not over-harvest, as rhubarb plants need some leaves for plant development.