Rhubarb 'Stein's Champagne' Rheum × hybridum 'Stein's Champagne'

Water

Rheum x hybridum 'Stein's Champagne', commonly known as rhubarb, requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the rhubarb once a week with about 1 inch of water, which is approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. It's important to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water directly at the base of the plant. During hotter periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moist soil, but be cautious not to overwater as rhubarb does not like soggy conditions. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.

Light

Rhubarb thrives in full sunlight, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sun per day. The best spot for rhubarb is an open area that is not shaded by trees or buildings. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light can lead to spindly stalks and reduced harvest.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for rhubarb is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees during dormancy in winter and can survive up to 90 degrees in summer. Rhubarb requires cold temperatures to break dormancy and initiate growth, so it is well-suited to climates with cold winters.

Pruning

Rhubarb does not require regular pruning, but you should remove any flower stalks as they appear to ensure the plant's energy is focused on stalk production. Prune out any old or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant healthy. The best time for this maintenance is late fall or early spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rhubarb 'Stein's Champagne' prefers soil that is rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix for rhubarb would include a blend of compost, garden soil, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.

Repotting

Rhubarb 'Stein's Champagne' generally does not need frequent repotting as it is normally grown in the ground. If grown in containers, repot every few years in spring to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Rhubarb 'Stein's Champagne' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, and space plants 2-3 feet apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Rheum × hybridum 'Stein's Champagne', commonly known as rhubarb, starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in early spring, develops into a seedling. The seedling grows into a mature plant with large leaves and a thick, fleshy stalk, which is the part commonly harvested. During its growth period, which is in the cooler seasons of spring and fall, the rhubarb plant focuses on vegetative growth, producing more leaves and storing energy in its extensive root system. In subsequent years, as a perennial, rhubarb may produce flower stalks in late spring or early summer, which if allowed to bloom, can expend the plant's energy and reduce the quality of the edible stalks. After flowering, seeds are developed and dispersed, although cultivation typically involves plant division rather than seed propagation. With the onset of winter, the plant enters a dormant phase, where the above-ground parts die back, and the plant survives underground through its roots until the next spring when the cycle begins anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Rheum × hybridum 'Stein's Champagne', commonly known as Rhubarb, can be propagated by dividing the root crowns. This method is usually performed in early spring before growth begins or in the fall after the plant goes dormant. When dividing rhubarb crowns, gardeners should dig around the root of the plant carefully, lift the entire clump from the ground, and use a sharp knife to cut the crown into sections. Each section should have at least one or two buds, known as "eyes,” and a chunk of the root attached. These pieces can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced approximately 3 feet (about 0.9 meters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Once planted, the divisions should be watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants.