How Do I Divide a Rhubarb Crown and When Is the Best Time?

Crown division is the key maintenance task for long-term rhubarb productivity. An undivided crown that has been in the ground for five years or more becomes increasingly congested — multiple growing points compete for the same resources, stalks become progressively thinner and flowering becomes more frequent. Division solves all of these problems at once, and as a bonus it provides you with additional crowns to plant elsewhere or share with other growers.

When to divide

The ideal time to divide rhubarb is in late autumn after the leaves have died back completely, or in very early spring (February or March) before new growth begins. Both windows allow the crown to be lifted and disturbed while dormant, minimising stress. Dividing while the plant is in active growth in spring or summer is possible but causes more setback and should be avoided unless necessary.

How to divide the crown

Dig around the crown with a fork, working outward to avoid cutting large root sections, then lever the whole crown from the ground. Brush off loose soil. Use a sharp spade or large knife to cut the crown into sections — each section must have at least one healthy, firm bud (the reddish growing point visible at the top of the crown). Discard any sections with rot, soft tissue or no viable buds. The centre of a very old crown is often woody and less productive; the vigorous outer sections with fresh buds are the best divisions.

Replanting the divisions

Replant sections into a freshly-prepared site enriched with compost, with buds just at or just below the soil surface. Water in well and do not harvest the new divisions in their first season — allow them a full year to establish before taking any stems.