The origin of the large leaved vegetable is Asia. It belongs to the class of the knotweed family (Polygonaceae) as well as sorrel (Rumex acetosa).
The eatable rhubarb stalk contains active ingredients such as potassium which is said to be dehydrating. A positive effect on the cardiovascular system should have ingredients like magnesium, iron, phosphorus and iodine. Tannins, glycosides, essential oils, apple and citric acids and also the intestinal friendly pectin are rumoured to have health-promoting effects as well.
You only can eat the stems of the rhubarb. Remove the leaves immediately and throw them on the compost, do not feed it to your poultry. The leaves contain the toxic oxalic acid which can summon renal failure or metabolic diseases.
The vegetable is very carefree. However, the site should be well considered. The perennial plant cannot be replanted in its early years. The roots of the frost-resistant vegetable must settle down well. Rhubarb should not be harvest until its second year.
The ideal place for rhubarb is sunny to semi-shaded. The soil should be moist and water permeable. Due to the fact that rhubarb remains in the soil for a long time, the soil should be well prepared. Remove any weed, mix compost and organic fertilizer in the soil and dig it up well. Afterwards let the ground rest for two to three weeks.
Spring is the time to plant your Rhubarb. The easiest way to do this is using root stocks which you get from nurseries, DIY stores or gardeners. Plant the crown or young plants and keep a distance of 80 to 100 cm between each crown. Seeds of rhubarb are not advisable because they are difficult to grow.
The vegetable can be harvested in the second year. When it comes time to harvest never cut off or snap the stem. Hold the stalk and pull from the base. Thus the remaining stems can take in the energy of the plant. If you want to increase the harvest with the help of compost or organic fertilizer, please absolutely make sure not to harm the roots.
If the rhubarb has grown too big you can thin it out. Carefully dig out the plant and put it back in at another place where it has more space. Rhubarb can be split every 5-8 years.
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