Yum, Yum won't grow

I have been trying to get some Rhubarb going but not much luck, does anybody have any clues. First of all I live in Carnarvon North West Aust, which is probably sub tropical climate. I had 4 Rhubarb plants in large flower pots about 18" dia at the top. They only ever got to about 6 or 7 inches of stork length. I chucked 3 of them in the rubbish bin and planted one in the ground in a 50/50 mixture of potting mix and river sand. This last one is probably getting storks of 8 or 9 inches, nothing like the 15 to 18 inch ones I see in the Supermart.......HELP.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Did you try "forcing" them? You need an upside down bucket with no bottom, I think you keep them covered completely until they grow to a certain length & then take the "top" off! My Dad used to do it with his, makes them tender too.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Usually rhubarb has larger leaves than stalks I think, the commercial rhubarb is probably forced by growing in the dark to make the stalks longer.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Thanks mate, you make it sound like keeping them in the dark will make them reach for the Sun. I will put a plastic rubbish bin over my current plant, and see what happens. Watch this space.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Thanks Julie I think you guys have just given me the clue.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Surround your plant with good compost and give plenty of water in spring if the weather is dry...........muck & magic I call it.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

I seem to remember people using old chimney pots over their rhubarb, nice & long, they grow longer to reach the light. Then the leaves pop out the top!

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Actually Alan we have a very low rainfall hear compared to most other places. We have probably had 100mm (4 inches) since Xmas, but I water every day and spread some blood and bone every Sunday. My spring Onions and Tomatoes thrive as do the Parsley, Mint and White onions. In fact one of my Favourite summer lunches is a Ham, Tomato and White Onion sandwich. I pick my white onions when they are only about 2 inches in Dia, and they are 10 times as flavoursome as the big ones from the store.

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

Oh, yes, Alan, I remember something about horse manure!

Re: Yum, Yum won't grow

I don't really worry about the length of the stalks as I think that the flavour is more important. Yes, horse manure and I remember my Mother saving blood from the meat, especially liver to feed the rhubarb.

At the end of the growing season, I heap my rhubarb bed with remaining compost, this helps to keep it warm and frost free.