After baking a rhubarb pie for the family, they are hooked.
I had been researching how to try growing rhubarb this far south, in our warm climate. Some suggested that it could be done if you grow the plants in part shade instead of full sun. I have an area where I could try that, so why not?
As luck would have it, just the other day I was in a home improvement store, they had just gotten in some very small bare root plants of Victoria rhubarb. My research indicated that was a variety that was more heat tolerant than most. The bare roots were on the small side, but not too expensive; I looked carefully, found 4 that were not too small, and showing a hint of green or red growth.
The advice I'm looking for: I am wanting to pot them in some 2 gallon nursery pots, with some well-aged, free-draining city compost. They will go into a raised bed when I have that built, the nursery pots are temporary. We are in the coldest part of our year, it could get to -6°C tomorrow night, but I'm assuming that won't be a problem, no protection needed? Is the compost sufficient for now, or should I mix in some Sandy loam? Should I plant the roots with the new growth even with the compost in the pots, or bury them slightly? I'm planning on 3 feet between plants in the raised beds when built.
I'm not expecting to harvest anything for at least 2 years, maybe 3. I think getting a crop will be a challenge, but rewarding if I get there. Any advice would be appreciated.