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RHUBARB GUIDES

rhubarb leaf with shades of brown, red, green and yellow

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Rhubarb is a hardy perennial vegetable that is commonly maturate for its delicious and vibrant stems .

However , even though it is broadly speaking easy to originate and care for , gardeners can face some challenges when growing it as it is not native to the UK .

rhubarb leaf that has turned yellow with a fly sat on its surface

One of the most coarse trouble gardeners can experience when produce rhubarb is icteric leave-taking .

This article will consider the possible cause of why rhubarb plant leaves turn yellow , what can be done to preclude this and any curative action that can be taken .

Nutrient Deficiencies

Rhubarb plants are hungry feeder and yellowing leaves can sometimes suggest a want of nutrients and minerals in the grunge necessary for it to prosper .

A thick annual mulch of organic matter or well - rotted manure applied in other bounce is highly recommend , especially when growing pieplant on poor soils , as well as an app of a general - role fertiliser .

However , it is important to note that when applying a layer of mulch , you demand to be heedful not to cover the crownwork of the plant , as this can run to crown rot and more serious issues .

magnified view of a rhubarb leaf turning from green to red and yellow

Waterlogged Soil

Rhubarb grows right on moist but free - draining soil and will shin if grown on a press site or an sphere that is prostrate to waterlogged filth , which can potentially lead to foliage yellowing .

“ The trick is to get the proportionality right with rhubarb plant , ” says Horticulturist Dan Ori .

“ It needs moist soil to crop well but it does n’t do well in waterlogged soil , as the crown will often decompose . ”

close up of rhubarb leaf with shades of yellow and red

If your garden has constrict soil , it can be made workable and suitable for growing pieplant by stab it over and adding organic matter such as homemade compost or well - rotted manure .

It is deserving take down that rhubarb plant can also grow well in a expectant pot or container as not only can the growing medium be mixed to accommodate the industrial plant , but it can be moved into the best billet for it to grow .

With regards to the look of where to grow rhubarb , it favor a sheltered and south - face site that will incur full sun .

wilted brown rhubarb leaves in very dry soil

Rhubarb can be grow in partial shade , although may shin if it does not receive enough direct light .

Temperature

Rhubarb is a hardy works with a rating of H5 , bespeak that it can hold winter temperature down to as low as -10 - 15 ° C .

pieplant originates from colder clime and actually requires a cold menstruum of temperatures around 0 ° snow for a twain of month in edict to produce healthy foliage and staunch the following time of year .

Although low enough winter temperatures are improbable to be a job for most parts of the UK , it is deserving take down that this may be an issue for much milder and coastal regions .

Watering

yellow leaves and wilting can often be an other sign of either over or under - tearing rhubarb .

rhubarb plant requires moist but not overly wet dirt and exhaustive tearing of the root during hot and dry spells is advise , as underwatering can lead to reduced and even a perfect stop of all increment .

However , overwatering can also be harmful as it can lead to crown waste and waterlogged soil .

As a worldwide rule , it is recommend to allow the top 2 - 4 cm of soil to dry out before watering again and to void watering if the soil is already damp .