RHUBARB 227 



the ground, the coarser left for a summer mulch, though 

 the leaves of the spring crop may be left on the ground 

 for the same purpose. Rhubarb may be forced while in 

 the ground, for an extra-early crop; or the roots may 

 be lifted and forced in the house, after which they are 

 of very little use and should be thrown away. Unless 

 the seed is needed the flower-stalk should be cut off, 

 since to develop seed weakens the roots. Varieties are 

 very few, and good results depend upon feeding the 

 plants rather than on variety. A winter Rhubarb has 

 lately been advertised, of special use for forcing under 

 glass. The plant has no troublesome enemies or dis- 

 eases. 



Soil should be rich and deep, and for an early start 

 it should be warm and quick. Prepare the bed, or the 

 hill for each plant, to a depth of two feet if possible, 

 working in much compost or well-rotted manure. If 

 the plants are to be raised from seed no such prepara- 

 tion is necessary. See under Rhubarb from seed, below. 



Distances. Set roots four to five by three to four 

 feet. Four by four feet is the usual garden distance. 



Roots should have one to three good eyes. 



Depth. Set roots with the eyes one to three inches 

 under ground. 



Plant roots in fall or spring. In colder places spring 

 planting is usual. 



Culture consists merely in keeping down weeds and 

 preserving the mulch until the leaves cover the ground. 



