Rhubarb Plants Turning Yellow?

Question:

Why are my rhubarb plants turning yellow and soft? I have 3 plants, two have done this.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Jim from Santa Ynez, CA

Answer:

Jim,

Getting rhubarb to grow successfully in your zone may be a tall order. Rhubarb does best where it gets cold. In fact, it will be the most productive if it experiences occasional winter temperatures below 40 degrees F.

One possibility is that your rhubarb is simply getting to much heat. You might want to consider erecting a cheap screen to give it some afternoon shade. A roll-up blind will work well for this because it will still provide your rhubarb with some filtered sunlight, while cutting down on the heat.

Water is another problem in warmer zones. Due to their broad leaves, rhubarb needs a lot of it, especially in warmer zones. I would recommend watering at least every other day as well as giving it an occasional boost with a liquid fertilizer.

Rhubarb needs soil with good drainage, especially when grown in areas that experience high levels of humidity. Yellowing and wilting leaves could simply be a lack of water at crucial times. Then again, the soft stalks may also point to a fungal disease. Check the base of the crown for white fungal growth or rot spots. Affected plants should be completely removed, disposed of in the garbage, and replaced with new plants.

Ellen