How to Germinate Rhubarb Seeds

Germinating rhubarb seeds can be a rewarding way to start your own rhubarb plants. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to germinate rhubarb seeds:

Materials Needed

• Rhubarb seeds
• Seed starting mix or potting soil
• Seed trays or small pots
• Water
• Plastic wrap or a plastic dome (optional)
• Labeling markers or tags

Steps

1. Soak Seeds (Optional):
   • Some gardeners recommend soaking rhubarb seeds in water for a few hours to overnight to help soften the seed coat and promote quicker germination.
2. Prepare Seed Trays:
   • Fill seed trays or small pots with seed starting mix or potting soil. The soil should be loose and well-draining.
3. Plant Seeds:
   • Plant the rhubarb seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Space the seeds about an inch apart if you are using a seed tray.
   • Lightly press down the soil over the seeds to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.
4. Moisten the Soil:
   • Water the soil gently to moisten it. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the seeds to rot. The soil should be consistently moist but not soaked.
5. Provide Warmth and Light:
   • Place the seed trays in a warm location. Rhubarb seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C - 24°C).
   • If you have a plastic wrap or a plastic dome, you can cover the seed trays to help retain moisture and warmth. Remove the cover once the seeds start to germinate to prevent mold growth.
   • Ensure the seeds receive plenty of light. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider using grow lights.
6. Monitor and Maintain:
   • Check the soil moisture regularly and keep it consistently moist.
   • It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for rhubarb seeds to germinate, depending on the conditions. Be patient and continue to care for the seedlings by providing adequate light and water.
7. Transplanting Seedlings:
   • Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, carefully transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.
   • If transplanting into the garden, choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Space the plants about 3 feet apart, as rhubarb plants can grow quite large.
8. Care After Transplanting:
   • Water the seedlings well after transplanting and continue to provide regular care. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
   • Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
   • Rhubarb plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and midsummer.

Tips

• Rhubarb plants usually take a couple of years to establish before you can start harvesting. Be patient and allow the plants to mature.
• Protect young plants from frosts and extreme weather conditions, especially in the early stages of growth.

By following these steps, you can successfully germinate rhubarb seeds and grow your own rhubarb plants for future harvests.