36 



Perennial Crops 



a better practice to trim the roots where they stand with 

 the plow or the spade, breaking off the strong projecting 

 parts. The purpose is to reduce the overcrowded mass of 

 roots and to start new root growth. 



Propagation of rhubarb is by division of roots and by 

 seeds. Ordinarily it is multiplied by means of division. 

 The root may be cut into as many pieces as there are 

 strong eyes, and as much as possible of the root is allowed 

 to remain with each eye. These pieces are planted 3 or 

 4 inches deep. These pieces of root are usually planted 

 directly in the field, but they may be grown the first year 

 in a nursery. The plants usually grow two years before a 

 cutting is made, and they will not give a full crop until 

 the third year. Ehubarb is readily grown from seeds, but 

 this requires a year's more time and the seedlings are 

 likely to vary. The seeds may be sown early in spring 



milder climates it may be planted in autumn. The seeds 

 (properly fruits) of rhubarb, and seedlings, are seen in 

 Figs. 8 and 9. 



By covering the plantation heavily in autumn so that 



8. Fruits (seeds) of rhubarb 

 (X 1%). 



in drills 18 inches apart, or 

 closer if the land is valuable, 

 and the young plants are thinned 

 to about 6 to 8 inches in the 

 row. The plants are set in 

 permanent positions the year 

 following ; that is, when they are 

 one year old. In the Northern 

 States rhubarb is usually planted 

 in spring whether from seed- 

 lings or root-cuttings, but in 



