How to Grow Rhubarb for High Yield? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Techniques

Rhubarb, also known as Jiangjun, Xiangdahuang, Matihuang, Nandahuang, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Polygonaceae family. Its underground rhizome is used as medicine and has effects such as purging heat and promoting bowel movements, resolving blood stasis and dispersing accumulations, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is mainly produced in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and other provinces, and is now introduced and cultivated in various places.

I. Growth habits. Rhubarb prefers a high-cold, humid, and cool climate, fears high heat, and avoids continuous cropping. A sandy soil with deep, loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter is best.

II. Land preparation and fertilization. Choose a field with high terrain and good drainage, and plow deeply and cultivate finely. Combined with land preparation, apply sufficient base fertilizer: 3000kg of farmyard manure, 20kg of urea, and 50kg of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer per mu. Then make beds and wait for sowing.

III. Sowing. Rhubarb is propagated by seeds, in two steps: raising seedlings and transplanting. The sowing period is divided into spring sowing and autumn sowing. Spring sowing is around Qingming, and autumn sowing is around Liqiu, with seeds sown as they mature. Before sowing, first open shallow furrows on the prepared bed surface, then evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows, cover with soil and water to preserve moisture, so as to facilitate emergence. The sowing rate is 5kg per mu. After sowing, seedlings can emerge in about 7 days at a suitable temperature. After the rhubarb seedlings are fully established, strengthen management, and they can be transplanted after one year of growth. When transplanting, plant the rhubarb seedlings on the prepared bed surface at a row spacing of 70—50cm, and water to preserve moisture to facilitate survival.

IV. Field management. After the rhubarb seedlings are fully established, pay attention to intertillage and weeding to ensure the bed surface is free of weeds. Water promptly in dry weather, and pay attention to drainage in rainy weather. Apply fertilizer once around Liqiu; apply 20kg of urea and 10kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per mu. Rhubarb tends to bolt and flower 2-3 years after transplanting. Except for plants retained for seed, remove the flower bolts early to prevent nutrient consumption.

V. Pest and disease control. ① Root rot: can be controlled with 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture before onset; or with 65% mancozeb in the early stage of onset. ② Downy mildew: generally controlled with phosethyl-Al or carbendazim in the early stage of onset. ③ The main pest is aphids, which can be controlled with methamidophos. For underground pests, use phoxim or carbofuran.

VI. Harvesting and processing. Rhubarb is generally harvested in autumn 3-4 years after planting, promptly after the seeds mature. When harvesting, first cut off the aboveground stems and leaves, then dig out the underground rhizome, remove the soil clean, and dry it in the sun before it can be sold as medicine.