Hi. I've scanned through the comments here but have yet to see remarks re: red leaf fungus. In short, most info says: discard the plant and roots (properly) and don't plant rhubarb in that soil ever again. Once it's in the soil that area is done for replanting. It has been stated (Phytopth.ca) that it has killed up to 50% of crops in Canada.
We had an amazing patch. We needed to move it and some of the plants ended up in planters and in an area poor for rhubarb (well-meaning partner thought these were good spots). The weakened plants developed this problem at some point - unbeknownst to us - and were put back in the ground in a new area but with the same ideal conditions (soil, sun etc.). It was there they fully displayed the red leaf and began to really suffer. I identified the issue and have bought new plants and planted them in a different area, about 20' from the previous bed. My partner and I are not in agreement about this, as I don't think this is far enough away, but - I will wait and see. The bad part is if the new patch succumbs to the red leaf, now we will have 2 areas that we cannot plant rhubarb.
QUESTION: any ideas on soil treatment for this problem?? So far I cannot find a thing. Thanks.
QUESTION: any tips in addition to removal and destroying the deseased plants w regards to control and avoidance? Obviously keeping the plants as heathly as possible is key - but I am looking for experiential tips.
We are in zone 3 and as said - previously had an amazing patch - so we know rhubarb likes our location!
Thanks!
Hi. I've scanned through the comments here but have yet to see remarks re: red leaf fungus. In short, most info says: discard the plant and roots (properly) and don't plant rhubarb in that soil ever again. Once it's in the soil that area is done for replanting. It has been stated (Phytopth.ca) that it has killed up to 50% of crops in Canada.
We had an amazing patch. We needed to move it and some of the plants ended up in planters and in an area poor for rhubarb (well-meaning partner thought these were good spots). The weakened plants developed this problem at some point - unbeknownst to us - and were put back in the ground in a new area but with the same ideal conditions (soil, sun etc.). It was there they fully displayed the red leaf and began to really suffer. I identified the issue and have bought new plants and planted them in a different area, about 20' from the previous bed. My partner and I are not in agreement about this, as I don't think this is far enough away, but - I will wait and see. The bad part is if the new patch succumbs to the red leaf, now we will have 2 areas that we cannot plant rhubarb.
QUESTION: any ideas on soil treatment for this problem?? So far I cannot find a thing. Thanks.
QUESTION: any tips in addition to removal and destroying the deseased plants w regards to control and avoidance? Obviously keeping the plants as heathly as possible is key - but I am looking for experiential tips.
We are in zone 3 and as said - previously had an amazing patch - so we know rhubarb likes our location!
Thanks!