[bernie101]

Just purchased three Timperly Early rhubarb crowns today.

No real roots to tell which way is "up".

They seem to have a flat side and i planted them that way (horizontally) as the shoots seemed to point that way.

However I now wonder whether they should have been planted vertically?

Any tips?

[Salmo]

The slice will probably have been made straight down to split a crown into two or three.

There should be a bud or two the size of a 50p or bigger. These go at the top at ground level and not covered. i.e. the flat side probably vertical.

[DANNY]

Yes the advice Salmo gave is spot on the only thing I,d add is to apply manure around the the outside of the area of  your crown "dont put any manure over the crow as this can cause rotting to the crown.

I have just split a crown myself and Ive put straw over the new dug area to keep the frost off,

Remember to cover the plant in spring to aid forcing the plant, I use an old chimney pot, it works well.

[Yorkie]

One thing about forcing a rhubarb is that it can exhaust the plant if you're not careful.

If your crowns have just been split, I would advise against forcing them for at least a year, so that they have sufficient reserves to cope with being forced.  Although the stalks won't be as early and tender, they will still be perfectly edible.

[DD.]

I agree - do NOT force a new crown and also bear in mind that you should not crop the crown the next year.

I forced one once & was very unimpressed with the amount I got off it, compared with what I would have with a little waiting.

As an aside, Mrs Digger has a very early variety on her plot. In fact it shooting already! Don't know what it is - it came with the territory!

[bernie101]

Thanks for the replies.

I went back yesterday and moved them the right way up.

Hopefully they'll go great in the spring and put plenty of bulk on for next years harvest.

Thanks again.