1. Suitable Species: Rhubarb thrives well in mountainous regions at elevations above 1,500 meters. It exhibits strong growth and high yield under such conditions.
2. Site Preparation and Fertilization: The ideal soil is deep, loose, fertile, well-drained, and rich in humus, with a slightly alkaline sandy texture. In early spring, after the snow has melted, apply more than 5,000 kilograms of high-quality farmyard manure per mu. Spread it evenly on the surface and mix it into the top 30 cm of soil through plowing. Ensure the land is level and finely tilled to create a suitable seedbed.
3. Seed Treatment: Rhubarb is primarily propagated by seeds. Select fully mature seeds from three-year-old plants. Soak them in water at 20–30°C for 4–8 hours, then mix them with twice their weight in fine sand or soil. Place the mixture in a sunny pit or cover it with a damp cloth in a warm place. Turn the seeds twice daily. Once a small portion begins to germinate, remove the cover and sow the seeds when the surface is slightly dry.
4. Planting Methods: There are two main planting methods—direct sowing and transplanting seedlings.
(1) Direct Sowing: Sow seeds in rows with a spacing of 60 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants. Dig holes about 3 cm deep, placing 5–6 seeds per hole. Cover with 1–2 cm of soil and gently press down to ensure good contact between seeds and soil. Apply trichlorfon powder on the ground to protect young shoots and leaves from pests. Use 2–2.5 kg per mu.
(2) Transplanting Seedlings: When raising seedlings, prepare beds that are 100 cm wide. Water the beds thoroughly. Once the surface soil is slightly dry, dig shallow trenches 15–16 cm apart and 3 cm deep. Place the seeds evenly in the trenches and cover them with soil without exposing the seeds. Spring sowing should be done between Qingming and Guyu, while autumn sowing is best between Dahan and Lichun. Autumn-sown seeds typically have higher germination rates and produce stronger seedlings, leading to better yields. Spring-grown seedlings are transplanted the following spring around Qingming, while autumn seedlings are transplanted the following autumn.
When transplanting, dig trenches 60 cm apart and 24 cm wide, about 30 cm deep. Mix in 5,000 kg of farmyard manure into the trench and blend it evenly with the soil. Level the trench and plant the seedlings. Before Qingming, carefully dig up the seedlings, selecting only the strongest ones. Trim the lateral roots and tails slightly before planting. Place the seedling buds flat in the trench, keeping them about 3 cm away from the edge. Maintain row spacing of 30–45 cm and cover with soil.