Root of rhubarb
Rhubarb root is a medicinal product. The stems of the plant are useful, they are used in cooking and confectionery art. Compotes are made from the plant, jam, desserts and baking fillings are made. Consider how to grow this cold-resistant crop in your own area.
Description and useful properties
The plant is a small bushy herb with fleshy stems and spreading leaves. Only the stems are suitable for eating, the root itself is used with caution in folk medicine.
Rhubarb root is known in Chinese and Tibetan medicine
The main value of the herb is in the beneficial elements contained in the fibers: malic, ascorbic, oxalic, citric acids, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins B, A, C. Leaves are considered poisonous, so they are not used.
It has been proven that the use of rhubarb has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system and perfectly tones the body as a whole.
The culture is propagated and planted in several ways:
- seeds;
- dividing the adult root system.
The first method involves sowing freshly harvested material in elongated tubs with fertile soil, in which shallow holes of 3-4 cm are dug. If the plant is in warm conditions, seedlings appear in about 20 days. Next, you need to acquire patience, moving to a permanent place of residence can be made at least in a year.
The division method is much more often practiced – adult bushes that have reached 5-8 years of age are literally cut with a sharp object into several parts, and the cuts are processed with charcoal. After the damaged surface has dried out a little, the roots are planted in the ground.
Further cultivation of rhubarb is easy care:
- It is important to ensure that the crop is not surrounded by weeds and to loosen the soil regularly.
- In hot weather, water the grass abundantly and daily. The acidity and juiciness of the stems, as well as the development of the root system, depend on watering.
- A young plant needs systematic feeding. Experts advise using organic matter and mineral complexes (mullein, ash, chicken droppings, ammonium nitrate, “kemira-universal”, etc.)
The rest of the culture does not require special attention and any special care. If you follow these recommendations, the rhubarb planted by you will give a good harvest of thick, fleshy petioles and massive roots.