Rhubarb is a perennial plant that rarely changes location. At a permanent location it is still possible to find annual neighboring plants that can support each other. These plants are suitable for mixed cultivation of rhubarb.

In a nutshell

  • Herbs with similar site requirements are suitable neighbors
  • low types of cabbage or beans are suitable as underplanting in the vegetable patch
  • tall plants that shade the rhubarb plants should be avoided
  • ideal neighboring plants are lettuce that do not form solid heads
  • do not place plants of the same plant family next to rhubarb plants

Similar location requirements

Rhubarb has the advantage that it can stay in the same place for a long time. Even after dividing the plants, you can plant them again in the same location. In order to find suitable partners for rhubarb in the mixed culture, you should pay attention to similar site requirements.

Rhubarb plants have the following location requirements:

  • sunny
  • warm
  • sheltered from the wind
  • humus and nutrient-rich soil
  • permeable soil
  • moderately moist to fresh

In the herb bed with perennial plants there are only a few suitable partners who are good neighboring plants, since most plants prefer dry and nutrient-poor soil. However, there are some herbs that do well in the partial shade under the rhubarb leaves.

Borage (Borago officinalis, left) and chives (Allium schoenoprasum, right)

Suitable herbs are:

  • wild garlic
  • borage
  • curry herb
  • dill
  • garden cress
  • chamomile
  • coriander
  • Parsely
  • arugula
  • chives

Vegetables as neighbors

Anyone who has rhubarb plants in the same place in the vegetable bed for several years usually offers the plants good soil, as such beds are often rich in nutrients. As a direct neighbor in the vegetable patch, you should only exclude plants that prefer dry and sandy soil, such as carrots or parsnips.

Broccoli (left), chard (Beta vulgaris, right)

Suitable vegetables as neighboring plants are:

  • cauliflower
  • broccoli
  • bush beans
  • Lamb's lettuce
  • garlic
  • chard
  • Beets
  • spinach
  • onions

Notice: Very high types of cabbage, such as sprout cabbage or palm cabbage, are not suitable, as they could compete with the rhubarb for the light and it then only develops moderately.

Flowers as neighboring plants

The advantage of flowers or ornamental plants in mixed cultivation with vegetables such as rhubarb is often underestimated. Many flowering plants have an intense odor that keeps pests away. In addition, some plants give off essential oils, which can be a limited prevention against various diseases.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis, left), marigold (Tagetes, right)

Suitable flowers as plant neighbors for the rhubarb:

  • Sweet Pea
  • Nasturtium
  • Phacelia
  • marigold
  • tagetes
  • forget Me Not

Salads as a neighbor

Salads are particularly suitable as plant neighbors. In the hot summer months, you benefit from the large leaves that can provide shade. Salads do not have a very high nutrient requirement and therefore do not represent any direct competition for the rhubarb plants.

'Devil's Ears' Romaine Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longif.webpolia)

Suitable salads:

  • oak leaf lettuce
  • Lollo rosso
  • pick lettuce
  • romaine lettuce
  • cut lettuce

Notice: Salads that form firm heads are also conditionally suitable. However, they should be placed at a sufficient distance in the mixed culture with rhubarb so that they are not overshadowed, otherwise they will not form such beautiful heads.

Avoid the same plant family

Rhubarb plants belong to the knotweed family. Although there are fewer plants belonging to the same family in the garden, with the exception of some exotic spices such as Asiatic water pepper, you should avoid planting plants of the same family in close proximity to rhubarb plants. If you plant the same species of a plant family next to each other, this can promote disease and pest infestation.

Leaf discoloration due to mosaic virus on rhubarb

Rhubarb plants are prone to the following problems:

  • aphids
  • mosaic virus
  • voles

Notice: If you generally have problems with aphids in the garden, avoid planting endangered vegetables in the mixed culture right next to the rhubarb.

frequently asked Questions

How often do you have to transplant rhubarb?

Basically, you do not have to transplant the rhubarb plants. However, it is advisable to divide very large plants from time to time to stimulate growth. When you plant the rhubarb again, leave enough space so that you can plant other plants next to it in a mixed culture.

Do other heavy consumers take away the nutrients from the rhubarb plants?

Of course, other plants in the neighborhood will compete with rhubarb, which prefers nutrient-rich soil. Most of the good neighbors for rhubarb plants are also heavy consumers and, accordingly, the soil must always be enriched with nutrients.

Which plants are not suitable as neighbors for rhubarb plants?

Basically, there are no completely unsuitable plants for rhubarb, as long as they do not come from the same plant family. When choosing a suitable neighbor, you should primarily make sure that it shades the rhubarb plants. Suitable neighbors should therefore be as high as the rhubarb plant or smaller.

How much distance must there be between rhubarb plants and the neighbors?

How large the distance must be depends on the respective neighbor. Small vegetables such as lamb's lettuce or spinach need less space than various types of cabbage, for example.

Category:

Vegetable garden