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Rhubarb leaves turning red

leelkataleelkata Posts: 31
in Problem solving
Hello, anyone with experience could help, please? I bought 3 small Victoria rhubarb, was growing like crazy. Then I climatised them and planted them into the raised bed. Within about 3 days the leaves started to turn red. 

It was not over watered, could that be strong sun?  I thought they love full sun.
In the next couple of days it is not going to be sunny, so I'll see if there is any changes.

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Posts

  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    To me, raised beds aren't an ideal site for growing rhubarb, as they need to have their roots deep in the soil where they absorb nutrients over the winter in preparation for producing edible 'sticks' in early summer.  leelkata  you don't say WHEN you bought yours, but the tone of your question suggests you might be expecting too much from a crop that takes a couple of years to mature?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It’s the older leaves dying off which is perfectly normal. As long as the newer leaves are green there’s nothing to worry about. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • leelkataleelkata Posts: 31
    Thank you for your help. I'd love plant them out, but too many agressive trees would definitely kill them. Im aware they are young and it will take a long time to be able to harvest. I was just really surprised how fast they grow. I planted them about 3rd week of April.
    All the leaves have started to become red. It starts at the edges of the leaves.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    What are they planted in?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • leelkataleelkata Posts: 31
    They are planted in a tall raised bed
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited June 2022
    Is the raised bed open at the base so they can root through into the soil below?  Rhubarb has very deep roots. 

    Also are they in loam/soil or in one of the multipurpose composts? 
    Rhubarb needs soil if it’s going to form a crown and become a substantial plant. 


    Rhubarb Timperly Early about 4/5 years old. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • leelkataleelkata Posts: 31
    It is opened base raised bed. I filled up the raised bed with branches, some cardboard bits, and a 50% multi compost and 50% coco coir. Wow that is a gigantic rhubarb, beautiful. Ill do my best to get them survive. They are growing fast and looking better since there is less strong sun.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I think what yours are planted in is too loose. As I said they need soil … pretty robust soil. The branches, cardboard, MPC and coir will work for some plants … salads etc … but not for a permanent planting such as rhubarb.  

    Can you prepare another planting site with deep soil and manure so that they can be transplanted after they’ve died down this winter?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • leelkataleelkata Posts: 31
    That makes sense. I should be able to prepare one. Thank you for your advice. Appreciate it.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I think with an open base the plants will be fine with a rich medium.
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