Pie Rhubarb
Macdonald Rhubarb is a perennial that brings reliable harvests to zones 4 through 8, thriving for 10 to 15 years or longer once established. This compact variety stands out for its root-rot resistance, a trait that sets it apart from older rhubarb cultivars and makes it especially valuable for gardeners in wetter climates. Plant it in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil between pH 6.0 and 7.5, and you'll have a productive perennial that rewards you year after year with thick stalks ready for harvest.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-8
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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Macdonald Rhubarb combines rugged dependability with modern disease resistance. Its compact growth habit makes it manageable in home gardens, while its proven longevity means a single planting can supply harvests for over a decade. The root-rot resistance is particularly valuable for gardeners in humid regions or those working with less-than-perfect drainage, addressing a common weakness in traditional rhubarb varieties.
Rhubarb stalks are harvested and used primarily in cooking, where their tart flavor makes them a classic pairing with sweetener in pies, jams, compotes, and desserts. The thick petioles (stalks) are the edible portion, never the leaves, which contain oxalic acid and are toxic. Gardeners typically begin harvesting in the second year, gradually increasing the harvest as the plant matures.
Plant crowns or root divisions in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Space plants according to their mature compact size. Ensure soil is well-drained and fertile before planting.
Seeds germinate between 40 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, though transplanting crowns or divisions is more common for faster production.
Do not harvest during the first year; wait until the second year to begin taking a few stalks per plant. In subsequent years, harvest all stalks 1 inch or more in diameter for 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Harvest by snapping or cutting stalks at the base, leaving smaller stalks on the plant to feed the crown and support next year's production.
Remove seed stalks as soon as they appear to direct the plant's energy toward stalk production rather than flowering. After 3 to 5 years, crowns may be divided to rejuvenate older plants or propagate new ones.
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