Rhubarb in upstate

We are Iowa transplants (where the soil is black 48" deep) and trying to determine whether we can grow rhubarb here. Any advise? We put out eight plants and have one little fella trying to come through. Thanks for help and suggestions. This is a whole new rodeo for us.

Hi neighbor, did you amend the soil? Fertilize?

Smokey

We tilled the soil and and added manure to it, along with Miracle Grow potting soil.

I grew it in the Charleston area in a raised bed.

I love rhubarb!

It should do fine in Easley, when did you plant it? If it is a recent acquisition it just hasn't had time to get acclimated this year. If you planted it last fall then I would suggest you have a soil test done at your local extension service to see what's up. Rhubarb is a very early spring crop in SC.

Tranquil, that is amazing that you got it to grow in Ladson. Congratulations, how large did it get? I tried it in Columbia but never got those big fat stems, mine were always wimpy looking and they sort of got smaller each year until they disappeared.

Planted it the first week of April, so probably expecting too much this year. I have planted it next to a shed on the east side. Will that be enough sun here? I wasn't sure how much sun here would be too much. Thanks for any help.

Ardesia, It grew as big as my grandmother's in WI.

That is fantastic Tranquil, it is always nice to hear that pushing zones (backwards in this case, LOL) worked well.

rhsundblad, it is strange but I could not find anything on Clemson's HGIC site about growing rhubarb in SC. Your idea about growing it on the east side of a building is probably a good one.

rhsundblad I'm from Iowa also I have lived in NC about 25 years and I have wanted a Rhubarb pie like my mom used to make forever!. I have tried 3 times over the years to get it to live and they all have dwindled away, I might try it again since I see it is possible!! I have seen a lot about growing it as an annual, but to me thats kind of like "why bother". It wouldn't get big enough as an annual to be any good.. But after seeing people in SC get it to grow I'm in for trying again! good luck to you!

Megano, you're not that far from me in Asheville and I have rhubarb (Victoria) growing like crazy. Planted three years ago, harvested first time this year and the pie was delicious! Have given away some and it's still going strong! Keep trying and remember that you don't harvest the first year it's planted. I do keep mine fertilized and well groomed, meaning I pull away the dead under leaves. If you've not grown rhubarb before, you will need to keep the flower stalks pruned out to keep it from setting seed. Hope this helps.

Hemophobic, What sun exposure do you have your rhubarb in? I've tried 3 different areas filtered sun, all day sun, just morning sun, all failed, but I was also working a lot then and watering and care was very irregular, I'm home all the time now so that will help a lot !,,,,,I bet that pie tasted good !! Megan O

Oh, it did. I'm ashamed to say I ended up eating the whole thing myself, not at one sitting, mind you, but over the course of several days. It was lovely.

My sun exposure is morning and most of the day sun, with some late afternoon shade. I did water mine regularly the first year it was planted. Now, I don't know if this makes a difference and I don't know if you've tried growing yours from seed or what, but I bought mine at the herb festival here in Asheville back in 2005. It was potted up and looked nice and healthy and it's done beautifully so far. I've been intending to plant more and to plant some asparagus as well, just haven't had time yet. Work does interfere so much with my gardening!

Have you viisted the herb festival? It's always the first weekend in May and it draws HUGE crowds. Runs from Fri. 'til Sun. and I would always go on Friday, early, and still the crowds would beat me there. Lots of good organic seedlings and heirloom plants available there from local growers.

Hemophobic I have not been to the festival, this is the first I've heard of it! sounds like lots of fun, I'm always at the local flea markets trying to find those unusual old varieties. Do to an injury 4 years ago I have not been able to work a normal job, so I started growing mostly perennials and bi annuals, Holly hocks, fox glove, different things, that I sell at the markets, but I often buy more from others than I sell, but I enjoy getting out and talking plants and antiques with everyone, I cant say I have never met a gardener that did not have a good attitude, Megan O

Gardeners are fine people and I think it comes from the nurturing that we do with our plants. Maybe it makes us realize that people need nurturing as well and some are more fragile than others. I know for sure that gardening teaches patience! Although I will say that moderation still eludes me. When I visit a nursery or garden center, I'm like a drug addict: got have that and that and that, never mind where I'm going to put it!

hemophobic, I dont get out much but I keep hearing about Jessie Isreal and Sons in Asheville, is it as good as they say? I keep thinking I will try to get there some day. I like to try and find new and different as well as the old tried and true plants. I have heared that it is a bit on the pricey side, that is one reason I have not gone. Have you been there and what do you think? MeganO

I've purchased some plants from Jesse Israel and have not found them to be that expensive on some things. Asheville is a very expensive place to live, first of all, and all the estimates I've gotten for work on the house have been at least double, if not triple, what I've paid in other parts of the state I've lived in all of my life. So considering that comment, I think it'll be like any other supplier: shop carefully and you'll find some bargains. Reems Creek Nursery is also in Asheville, but I've not purchased anything there. They seemed a little high to me. Jesse Israel has a better selection of plants, though. There's another great little nursery I stumbled on accidentally between Black Mountain and Asheville on Highway 70 called Appalachian Garden Nursery or something like that. I bought Sweet Kate tradescantia and she is quite a charmer. The leaves are a bright gold throughout the season and her blossoms are a brilliant, true blue. Also bought some dahlias that are doing well and a mock orange (Philadelphus Virginicus). A small place but I was quite happy with that find. My car brakes for nurseries and daylilies!

Oh, and my favorite place up here is in Hendersonville, Raymond's Nursery and Garden Supply. They advertise in "Carolina Gardener" if you subscribe to it and I love going there. Always buy something when I go. They have the best selection and I would have to say it's where I go if I have my "druthers."

Happy shopping!