How to divide rhubarb?

Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum syn. rhabarbarum) is a productive and ornamental vegetable plant. Gourmands appreciate in particular its edible stalks, red or green, with a slightly tart flavour, delicious in desserts. Garden lovers cannot remain indifferent to this vigorous rootstock plant which offers large heart-shaped leaves (not edible). Even the panicles of small star-shaped cream-white or red flowers add to the plant's aesthetic appeal. Plenty of reasons to want to propagate this rhubarb that delights the senses.

To multiply rhubarb, the simplest method is division of the stump. Follow all our tips to divide rhubarb.

Why divide rhubarb?

Rhubarb can be grown from seed. But the most accessible and effective way to multiply this rootstock vegetable plant remains division of the stump. Dividing the clump offers several advantages:

It's a way of giving an ageing rhubarb plant a new lease of life. Over the years it produces less and becomes exhausted from producing stalks. Division therefore boosts a rhubarb plant, giving it renewed vigour
Division allows you to make room in the garden or vegetable patch. Indeed, over the seasons the rhubarb plant grows and spreads. It can reach 2 m in width. There's a real risk it will smother and hinder neighbouring plants
After 4 to 5 years a rhubarb plant may degenerate or even die. Dividing it helps ensure its longevity
It's a lovely gift to give to family and neighbouring gardeners!

When to divide rhubarb?

Once a rhubarb plant is 3 to 4 years old, it can be divided. Thereafter, degeneration may set in!

This propagation by division can be carried out at two key times, namely at the end of winter, as soon as first signs of spring appear. The best period is between February and March depending on region. Normally the first shoots should push through to the soil surface. Indeed, the rhubarb clump disappears completely in winter, but the stump, hardy, persists.

You can also divide in early autumn, between September and October, when rhubarb enters dormancy. You should normally still be able to spot it at that time.

How to divide rhubarb?

Technique

Prepare the soil of the site where new rhubarb shoots will be transplanted. To do this, you need to dig over to work the soil well, then incorporate and mix in compost, well-rotted manure or potting compost. It is essential to leave at least 1 m between each rhubarb plant or another plant
Insert the digging fork all around the rhubarb stump, leaving adequate distance as roots spread quite far
Use the digging fork as a lever to lift the rootball from the soil and place it to one side
Cut vertical fragments of rootstock with a spade or a very sharp knife. Each root piece must contain at least 2 to 3 aerial buds
Remove soil clinging to the rootstock pieces and trim the fragments with a pruning knife to aid callusing.

Your rhubarb divisions are ready to be transplanted. Don't delay, planting should be done immediately after division.

Place the divided rhubarb piece at ground level
Cover with soil, firming lightly. Be careful not to damage the buds which are fragile
Water generously
New rhubarb plants will appear a few weeks after planting.