struggling rhubarb - Ask Extension
Hi-- I put in some rhubarb starts this spring; they were purchased from local nurseries. They have struggled and not done well. Can you diagnose t...
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struggling rhubarb #868096
Asked May 12, 2024, 4:35 PM EDT
Hi--
I put in some rhubarb starts this spring; they were purchased from local nurseries. They have struggled and not done well. Can you diagnose the problem(s) from the photos? We live in the west hills of Portland.
Thanks.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Chuck. It is difficult to determine what is going on with your starts through photos alone. There are 4 diseases that afflict them, some of which might have been present when you purchased them. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=rhubarb
At least as likely is that they were not planted correctly, or that the soil isn't appropriate. I can't speculate with what I know. Here is a comprehensive guide to growing rhubarb (commercially) that may help pinpoint the problem(s): https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/oregon-vegetables/rhubarb-0
Have you tested the soil for pH and nutrient content? If not, here is a list of labs that can do that: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-8677-analytical-laboratories-serving-oregon
I hope this is a start. Good luck!
At least as likely is that they were not planted correctly, or that the soil isn't appropriate. I can't speculate with what I know. Here is a comprehensive guide to growing rhubarb (commercially) that may help pinpoint the problem(s): https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/oregon-vegetables/rhubarb-0
Have you tested the soil for pH and nutrient content? If not, here is a list of labs that can do that: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-8677-analytical-laboratories-serving-oregon
I hope this is a start. Good luck!
